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Project Snapshot
Swansea Museum’s All Aboard project
Young Roots
Swansea Museum
£24,400
Learning to sail might not have crossed Darren Welke’s mind a couple of years ago, but the 21 year old from Britton Ferry has turned his life around after setting to the seas of Swansea on the historical Olga ship.
Darren has been volunteering as part of Swansea Museum’s All Aboard project, funded by a £24,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The project trained a group of disadvantaged young people on Swansea’s maritime heritage whilst helping them build the skills and confidence they need to move into employment, working in partnership with Port Talbot YMCA Hostel, Swansea Youth Offending Service and Swansea Cyrennians.
Living at Port Talbot YMCA Hostel at the time, Darren was keen to gain new skills and qualifications, which as a result have helped him move into further education and start a new life. Here, he shares his story...
“My past hasn’t been the best so I jumped at the chance to get involved in the sailing project as it sounded like fun and a way to gain new qualifications. We went on trips to museums to learn about maritime heritage, which was really interesting and then started sailing training. So far, I’ve gained qualifications in sailing, as well as a competent crew certificate.
“Once I’ve gained the rest of my qualifications, I’ll be able to go out to events on the Olga, to help the skipper as a member of crew and to talk to visitors about the history of the Olga and Swansea maritime heritage. The ship is such a big part of history in Swansea, and it’s been a privilege to be part of it.
“Being involved in the project has been both challenging and fun and it’s given me practical skills, which I’ve put to good use by starting a course in Outdoor Education at Graig College in Llanelli. I’ve also moved to a new home there too, so the future’s looking good. Not only have I gained qualifications that are relevant to my college course and given me better job prospects, but I’m also more confident and can now work well as part of a team.
“The project’s been good, I loved every moment of it, and it’s inspired me to do youth work in the future.”
Jennifer Stewart, Head of HLF in Wales, concluded: “People make projects happen. We’re forever grateful to the armies of volunteers of all ages who play a vital role in caring for and sharing our heritage. Volunteering is a great way of getting involved in community life and making a difference. The new skills and self-confidence that can be gained through volunteering can also improve or lead to new employment opportunities”.
Darren Welke volunteers for the All Aboard project in Swansea
Sector
Industry, Maritime and Transport
Activity
Learning