The Ploughing Championships 2024
After the success of the first iteration of the Hub at the National Ploughing Championship 2023, GSH returned to the Ploughing with more organisations involvement, a larger space, and higher levels of engagement.
Background
The Global Solidarity Hub returned to the 2024 National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Laois. The Hub presence at the National Ploughing Championships offered a powerful platform to connect with communities across Ireland on global justice issues. The collaboration built on the success of Trócaire, Dóchas and Sightsavers Ireland in 2023, with the addition of Self Help Africa, Concern Worldwide and Brighter Communities Worldwide. With massive attendance across the three days, 6,762 members of the public visited the Global Solidarity Hub (GSH) tent and enabling the INGOs to engage with a diverse audience. By fostering dialogue and solidarity, the Hub bridged the gap between local and global concerns, encouraging the attendees to see themselves as part of a broader movement for change.
The National Ploughing Championships (NPC) was chosen due to the high volume of attendees of all ages from diverse backgrounds. It presented an opportunity to reach and engage with a broad cross-section of the Irish public on a range of themes. The Hub at the Ploughing Championship presented the public with a chance to engage with the INGO sector in an open and fun manner, with activities for all ages, and something a bit different from the other agricultural based stalls.
Organisation Activitations
Trócaire:
Trócaire sought to bust myths and disinformation and the NPC for 2024, through a Myth/Fact climate wall, while also encouraging solidarity, sharing the stories of Samwel, a Kenyan Farmer whose life was improved through an Irish Aid funded water pipe. To increase solidarity there was also a space to use art to share messages of climate justice. With over 2,000 people engaging with Trócaire’s activations at the NPC it was a highly successful event in terms of engaging people on climate change.
Sightsavers Ireland:
Sightsavers invited the public to a day in the life of Ndiambe, who lives with a visual impairment in Senegal. This unique 360-degree insight into life with a disability in a developing setting and the stigma, prejudice and logistical challenges that Ndiambe faces each day is transformative and promotes inclusivity and compassion.
Dóchas - Worldview:
Worldview used stacked imagery boxes displaying debranded images taken from members' campaigns, showcasing the potential power imagery has to catalyse change. From heart-warming moments to thought-provoking scenes, the images depicted people of various ages, genders, and contexts, and captured a wide array of emotions. Visitors were asked to vote which was their favourite image, which image they would like to learn more about, and which image evoked the most emotions. Visitors were also asked to share their 'Worldview', on the Worldview post it notes. 'Worldviews' were collected from individuals aged 12-81, geographcially spread across 20 counties, and touched on a range of themes including poverty, peace, climate justice, and increased supports for people at home and abroad. Some Worldview's included: "There should be a push to end hunger and conflict, and focus on mitigating climate", "I hope climate change stops and more countries can develop", and "We need equality and diversity, peace in the world, community integration, and inclusion for all".
Concern Worldwide:
Concern encouraged visitors to explore the experience of those who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or climate emergency. Guests were asked to take part in the 'grab and go' challenge. They had 20 seconds to put themselves into others’ shoes, selecting the items they would bring with them if forced displacement became their reality.
Brighter Communitites Worldwide:
A Cork based charity, whose unique approach to development has created better futures for hundreds of thousands of people in Kenya. Working in partnership with local communities for over two decades, it helps to improve access to clean water, healthcare, education and towards the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Its’ commitment to ongoing sustainable programmes continues to change lives for the better; it reached 179,693 people last year alone. Brighter Communities Worldwide showcase a model of a Healthy Kenyan Homestead, where conditions have been vastly improved as a result of sustainable measures it has put in place.
Self Help Africa:
The Human Fruit Machine was used as a fun way to talk about farming and food! Ploughing visitors were invited to try their luck and learn more about bananas, mangoes and cassava - and the role that they play in the future of food for Africa. A fruit bearing tree in Africa will be planted for everyone who plays the Human Fruit Machine.
Key takeaways
Through collaboration, the GSH was able to deliver engaging and relevant programming, capturing the attention of a large volume of Ploughing visitors, over 6,700. While the challenges of competing for attention with other events and organisations, and tailoring messages to specific audiences were present, the creative approaches to engagement, including interactive art, virtual reality, and live discussions, ensured a meaningful connection with participants. Moving forward, the Hub will build on the lessons learned from these events to continue expanding the reach of the Global Solidarity Hub and its mission to inspire action for a fairer, more just world.