School Name: Presentation College, Tuam, Co. Galway
Project Name: Hope Square
Award: YSI Step-Up Challenge

Award presented by Annalisa O'Carroll, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.

This was a continuation of the project ‘Bloom and Broom for Tuam’ (2009/2010) through which students greatly improved the appearance of Bishop Street in the town of Tuam. This year’s team wanted to expand the project further and continue improvements to their town.

The team believe there is a strong connection between the physical appearance of a town and its commercial viability.

Five hundred people were surveyed in the town and, based on the findings, they put a plan in place to improve the town’s appearance. A public meeting was organised and local County Councilors were invited.

A neglected square was transformed into an enclosed space of beauty and character as the team aimed to creat a strong sense of pride of place.

Improvements included creating a sculpture and a history wall, planting trees and planting tubs, creating paintings and graphics. These were financed by the YSI Den 2010, Tuam Town Council and NAPD (National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals). Other partners included Galway County Council, Tuam County Engineer, Galway Planning Officer, a Garden Centre, Coffey Construction and Mayor Flanagan.

The community has been empowered to become the architects of their own town and their physical environment.

The judges believed “This project maintained its commitment to its town and the team showed determination to follow through on developing the project and is making a real difference in the community.”