PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
Project Title:
Kakariko Connect: A Multi-Generational Wellness Initiative
Project Type:
Social Program
Scale:
Neighborhood
Timeline:
Short-term (1 year)
ISO37101 mapping for ‘Intergenerational wellness initiative in Kakariko.’
Scores
| Score | Purpose | Issue | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Social cohesion | Living together, interdependence and mutuality | The Kakariko Connect initiative focuses heavily on enhancing social cohesion by fostering intergenerational connections and addressing mental health concerns. It aims to create a nurturing environment where residents from all age groups can engage in activities that promote well-being and community spirit, thus encouraging mutual support and collaboration within the neighborhood. |
| 5 | Well-being | Health and care in the community | The initiative prioritizes mental health and wellness through programming designed for all age groups, addressing the specific challenges faced by both seniors and young families. This focus ensures that community members have access to activities and services that enhance their overall well-being and foster a healthier living environment. |
| 4 | Attractiveness | Culture and community identity | Kakariko Connect leverages local cultural practices and communal healing traditions, making the initiative attractive and relevant to residents. By offering programming that weaves in local storytelling and crafts, the project enhances the community’s identity and appeal, thereby fostering a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. |
| 4 | Social cohesion | Education and capacity building | The initiative involves establishing a community steering committee to guide programming, promoting engagement across different generations. This active participation encourages knowledge sharing and skill development, enhancing the community’s capacity to address its wellness needs collectively. |
| 4 | Resilience | Governance, empowerment and engagement | The project emphasizes stakeholder involvement through the formation of a community steering committee that includes residents from all generations. This inclusive approach to governance is essential for building resilience, as it empowers community members to take ownership of the initiative and adapt to emerging challenges collectively. |
| 3 | Responsible resource use | Economy and sustainable production and consumption | By collaborating with local health services and artisans, the Kakariko Connect initiative promotes local economic engagement and resource utilization. Involving local businesses and individuals in programming ensures that resources are efficiently used to benefit the community as a whole. |
| 3 | Well-being | Innovation, creativity and research | The initiative introduces new mental wellness programming that incorporates creative expressions and communal activities, demonstrating innovative approaches to address mental health challenges in the community. This focus on culturally relevant programming reflects a creative engagement strategy for fostering well-being. |
| 2 | Preservation and improvement of environment | Biodiversity and ecosystem services | While the initiative’s main focus is on social cohesion and well-being, there is an implicit commitment to preserve the community’s cultural and social ecosystem through activities that encourage connection and shared experiences. However, its direct impact on environmental biodiversity may be limited. |
| 2 | Attractiveness | Mobility | The initiative’s plans for outdoor spaces designed for gatherings indirectly contribute to mobility enhancement by promoting safe and accessible environments for community activities, thereby increasing the attractiveness of Kakariko as a place to live and engage. |
| 2 | Resilience | Safety and security | The focus on mental health awareness and community engagement helps cultivate a sense of safety and security within the neighborhood. While not a primary goal, it indirectly contributes to the resilience of the community by fostering trust and relationships among residents. |
CONTEXTUAL FOUNDATION
Specific Local Challenge Addressed:
In Kakariko Village, the strong intergenerational ties that characterize the community are both a strength and a challenge. While many residents feel a deep sense of connection and purpose, there is an emerging concern regarding mental health and social isolation, especially among seniors and young families. The community feedback reflects a need for structured programming that fosters these connections and supports mental well-being. The Kakariko Connect initiative addresses this challenge by creating a space where all age groups can engage in community-building activities that enhance social cohesion and promote mental health.
Local Assets Leveraged:
Kakariko Community Center serves as a focal point for village activities and is already utilized for various gatherings. By building on existing relationships with local organizations, such as youth engagement groups and mental health services, the project will tap into current community resources. Additionally, the cultural practices in Kakariko, which value communal healing and shared experiences, will drive the initiative’s programming. The hub of collective knowledge amongst residents can support workshops, heritage storytelling sessions, and artistic expressions, amplifying existing strengths in local culture.
Cultural/Social Fit:
Kakariko is known for valuing its traditions while also striving for modernization, which creates a unique intergenerational tapestry in social relations. Integrating wellness workshops into the community center reflects the village’s commitment to holistic health and well-being. The richness of local storytelling and crafts can be woven into the programming, providing an opportunity for residents to celebrate their heritage together while addressing contemporary challenges related to health and social connectedness.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Core Concept:
The Kakariko Connect initiative seeks to foster intergenerational connections through programming that promotes wellness, mental health, and community engagement. By offering diverse activities that appeal to all age groups, the project will create a nurturing environment that respects local traditions while enhancing the community spirit.
Key Components:
- Physical Space Development: The community center will be enhanced to accommodate various activities, including a dedicated wellness room for workshops and mental health services, as well as outdoor spaces designed for gatherings and events.
- Programming/Activity Development: A calendar of activities will be created featuring intergenerational workshops like crafting, cooking classes, storytelling circles, and fitness sessions focused on mindfulness and well-being.
- Community Engagement: Establish a community steering committee composed of residents from all generations to help guide programming, ensuring that the activities reflect the needs and desires of the local populace.
Implementation Approach:
- Phase 1: Immediate Actions: Launch an awareness campaign to introduce the initiative and recruit volunteers for the steering committee. Conduct an initial community survey to identify interests and needs in wellness programming.
- Phase 2: Building Momentum: Roll out the first series of workshops and events, beginning with a community potluck to foster social connections. Engage local artisans and experts to lead some of the sessions, ensuring cultural relevance and richness.
- Phase 3: Full Realization: Expand the programming based on feedback from initial offerings, incorporating seasonal events and regular mental health forums, as well as collaborations with local health professionals for ongoing support.
STAKEHOLDER ECOSYSTEM
Champions:
Local leaders from the community center, active members of the Kakariko resident’s association, and influential artisans who can engage others successfully.
Partners:
Local health services, non-profit organizations focused on mental health, schools, and local artisans who can provide their skills for workshops and activities.
Beneficiaries:
Seniors will have opportunities to share their knowledge and connect with younger community members, while families and children can learn valuable skills and feel a sense of belonging. The entire community benefits from heightened awareness and conversations around mental health.
Potential Opposition:
Some residents might initially resist the initiative due to concerns about change or unfamiliarity with mental health topics. To address this, informational sessions can explain the benefits of such programming, emphasizing community-driven non-judgmental approaches to well-being.
FEASIBILITY & IMPACT
Success Indicators:
- Quantitative metric: Achieve participation of at least 30% of households in organized activities within the first year.
- Qualitative metric: Conduct bi-annual feedback gatherings to assess community satisfaction, focusing on participants’ sense of connection and well-being.
- Community-defined metric: Track the growth of intergenerational relationships as recorded by participants in guided discussions.
Ripple Effects:
Kakariko Connect could initiate wider dialogue around health, wellness, and sustainability. Success in this initiative may catalyze similar programming in surrounding neighborhoods, enhancing regional ties and community resilience as Kakariko leads by example.
Risk Mitigation:
The primary risk relates to initial engagement; addressing it through transparent participatory planning helps ensure community members feel ownership and thus are less resistant to change.
LOCAL ADAPTATION NOTES
What makes this project uniquely suited to this place:
Kakariko’s strong focus on heritage, community interdependence, and shared resourcefulness ensure that the project resonates deeply, embedding itself in the current social fabric. Unlike larger urban centers, this initiative can be highly personalized, catering to specific local needs while embracing a slower, more intimate community pace.
How locals would likely describe this project in their own words:
“It’s not just another program; it’s a way to gather, share our stories, and remember our roots together—all while keeping our community strong and our spirits up!”