If you have any advice for facing challenges or life's difficulties, please share it here.

Comments

Mary: "Absolutely beautiful story, I look forward to sharing it with the pupils in my school in September. I’ve no doubt they will love it as much as I did ! Magical ❤️"

Elizabeth: "Well done on a fantastic production. It was really well written and would make a great book or short film. The message was put across really well. The children loved the magical part of it, the inclusion of places they recognised like Fenit and Carrauntoohil. Standing up to the giant they linked to standing up to a bully in real life. Asked for a one word description one boy in 2nd class said that it was “encouraging” meaning I suppose that it is possible to overcome adversity. Loughfouder National School Knocknagoshel."

Caroline: "There is always someone available if you need to talk or simply have a chat. Childline is available 24 hours a day to children all over Ireland, You can call 1800 66 66 66 or chat online at www.childline.ie. You can contact free of charge any reason any time"

Berni: "You can always contact your local youth organisation. Youth workers are trained to listen to  young people and provide help to access the right supports. KDYS has youth centres, projects and clubs  in many locations in Kerry and North Cork.   Our Youth Information Service can also be accessed online. To find out more visit, www.kdys.ie"

Cian: "This was a great story and I listened to it with my mom and sister. We have an auntie with Autism and sometimes she speaks more clearly through her actions than words. We really connected with the message about how the phoenix could communicate with the character using sounds. Thank you for making this."

Erin: "Sometimes I feel talking to someone close to me when I'm not feeling well can help, and it makes me feel less alone and more understood."

Martin: "I loved the audio imagery, imagination, and engagement through storytelling. Well done to everyone "

Bernie: "Absolutely amazing, well done to all involved, would be great to see part of It played on the late late show and interview those involved." 

Liz: "Beautiful fairytale well done to all involved"

Sarah: "Fab story, kids enjoyed listening to it."

Siobhan: "A lovely lovely story, very well executed."

Lucie: "Fabulous story with a brilliant message. My kids loved it." 

Stacey: "Amazing little story, well done to all involved"

Geraldine: "What a beautiful story and wonderful expression from your narrators well done to all involved 👏👏"

Behind the Scenes

@radiokerry“Digital Journalism, Podcasting and Radio students headed out to Fenit with their tutor Connie Broderick to record sounds for their Hidden Light Project.” #TheHiddenLightProject #RadioKerry #Kerry #Fenit♬ original sound - Radio Kerry

@radiokerryDigital Journalism, Podcasting and Radio students headed out to Glanteenassig Forest Park to gather the final sounds for their Hidden Light Project♬ original sound - Radio Kerry

‘The Hidden Light’ is a fairytale created by Kerry College/Radio Kerry students from the Digital Journalism, Podcasting and Radio course.

With the help of child and adolescence psychotherapist Edel Lawlor, and input from some courageous local children, they have created this project, which will be broadcast on Radio Kerry, to help children who might be going through something.

It encourages adults and children to tackle difficult and life changing challenges through imagination and storytelling.

The Hidden Light is based on three children Cian, Fionnuala and Saoirse who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges and take part in a local camp called “Camp Crogacht/Camp Bravery”.

Edel works with the CLIMB (Childrens Life’s Involve Moments of Bravery) project at Recovery Haven cancer support services.

The characters in this story are portrayed by children who have all faced difficult trials in recent years, with some attending Edel’s Expressive Play Therapy for support.

The character Cian is played by Luke Feely, Fionnuala is played by Fiadh Rose Higgins, & Shonagh O' Sullivan voices Saoirse.

During their time at camp the children embark on a magical journey searching for “The Hidden Light” that will lead them to a very special treasure.

Throughout their quest they are guided by a Fairy named Pearl (voiced by Edel Lawlor) who helps the children tackle huge feats, all while meeting some of Kerry’s most infamous and majestic creatures along their journey.

The overall goal of this project is to help children realise they are not alone and to reinforce the message that they have the courage inside them to tackle any issues they may face.

Along with the students and Edel, the children themselves had an active role in the messaging and creativity of the project.

The story will be broadcast by Radio Kerry and remain on our website for use in classrooms, or for a family that might have a child going through something.

There will also be the opportunity for children listening to share advice and give feedback.