Our autumn term activity for 2025 here at Bantani Cymru is an innovative, fully supported community learning project called ‘ Living Libraries: Rural Roots and Community Conversations’ — a new initiative connecting older adults with local primary pupils through structured storytelling and conversation sessions in schools across rural Swansea!  

About the Project: 

Living Libraries is a creative adaptation of the Human Library concept, where community volunteers become “Living Books” and are interviewed by pupils in the classroom. 

Through small group conversations, pupils explore first-hand what life was like in Swansea when the volunteers were young — bringing history, local heritage, and personal stories to life.  

One of the aims for bringing in an older generation to primary schools is for the children to think about how the topics they’re learning about affected that generation as well as how the topics will affect themselves in their future. 

There will be some follow-up activities to reflect on the experience and better understand what the children have taken away from this experience. 

We are delighted to announce that this project is fully funded through the Swansea Rural Anchor Grant Scheme . 

Each session will explore themes relevant to primary school curriculum, such as:  

• Life in Swansea in the past  
• Food, education, energy, transport, and rural life  
• Intergenerational experiences and social change  

Schools are also welcome to tailor questions around other topics they’re currently exploring in class .  

The project supports key elements of the Curriculum for Wales, including:  

• Cynefin – developing a sense of identity and place  
• Wellbeing and empathy – through real-life listening and dialogue  
• Humanities and Health & Wellbeing AoLEs – exploring continuity and change, diversity, and community connections  
• Cross-cutting themes such as sustainable citizenship and authentic learning 

“The focus on Cynefin, wellbeing and intergenerational learning links beautifully with the Curriculum for Wales and will really enrich our children’s experiences.”  

For Pupils: 

• Grow empathy and curiosity – Listen, learn, and connect with others in a way that builds understanding and compassion. 
• Discover real stories – Engage with local community members and hear their experiences firsthand. 
• Boost wellbeing and communication skills – Be part of something that promotes mental health and helps you express yourself more confidently.  

For Teachers and Schools: 

• Enrich your curriculum – Bring real-life learning into the classroom and tie it into wellbeing goals. 
• Foster community partnerships – Build meaningful relationships with local groups to strengthen school ties. 
• Zero extra workload – We provide all the support you need, making it easy to integrate into your teaching. 

For the Community: 

• Celebrate local voices – Highlight the rich traditions and stories of rural Swansea. 
• Create volunteering opportunities – Offer meaningful roles that help combat isolation, especially for older adults. 
• Strengthen connections – Foster pride and understanding across generations, bringing the community closer together.