The recognition comes as part of Waterford’s new status as a UNESCO Learning City.

The UNESCO Learning City designation recognises cities from all over the world that demonstrate exceptional progress in promoting quality learning opportunities for all. 

As a member of the UNESCO global network of Learning Cities, Waterford now joins leading learning cities worldwide.

The city’s participation in the network will help to expand learning opportunities, build strong partnerships, and inspire new initiatives.

Speaking recently at the launch of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City, Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, said “the benefits of being a UNESCO Learning City cannot be overstated.”

‘The Parish’

As part of Waterford’s designation as a Learning City, key partners had to select a Learning Neighbourhood, which could best represent the city.

A Learning Neighbourhood is an area that has an ongoing commitment to learning, providing inclusive and diverse learning opportunities for whole communities.

The parish was put forward as Waterford’s pilot Learning Neighbourhood, in celebration of the work being done in the community, by the community.

A key element of the initiative was the appointment of Learning City Project Manager, Laura Power, who will work to coordinate partner initiatives under the UNESCO Learning City programme.

Explaining the initiative further, she said: “The idea of the Learning Neighourhood approach is to tell a story, and amplify all the work that is happening already in the community.

“The volunteers work so hard and have amazing impact, and the Learning Neighbourhood model will support and celebrate that.”

An important figure in the community, Cllr John Hearne, says that the parish is delighted at the development.

He added that it’s a testament to the hard work being done by community groups and volunteers.

“We’re very progressive up here and we have a lot of projects. The community has become a blueprint of what a community can do.”