It was a real pleasure this week to spend time with Llanelli Rotary, sharing the journey of Harmonious Heroes from its early roots through to this year’s showcase and beyond. The evening offered space to reflect on how an idea grounded in curriculum, community, and entrepreneurial competences has grown across schools and into wider civic life.
Following a warm welcome from Julie Jones, President of Llanelli Rotary Club, who opened the evening with generosity and encouragement, I was able to walk Rotary members and guests through the history of the project and the research that shaped it. I shared the unfolding story of the schools, business, and community partners who stepped forward, and the way the work culminated at the phenomenal Llanelly House showcase before continuing to travel outward through wider dissemination. It felt important not only to revisit what had been achieved, but also to acknowledge how the project has been received, shared, and recognised beyond Llanelli.
What also felt significant was the distance travelled since I last addressed Rotary (Empowering Llanelli’s Future: Unveiling the HH Initiative at Rotary Club) when Harmonious Heroes was still largely a vision. Much of the work that followed, from independent activation through to the showcase itself, was developed and coordinated without a funded role, relying instead on trust, goodwill, and a shared belief in what is possible for our young people.
One of the most powerful moments was the endorsement offered by Rotary leadership, who had attended the showcase. Having spoken directly with teachers and pupils, they were able to affirm, in their own words, the atmosphere, authenticity, and energy of the work. That kind of first-hand recognition carries weight. It was genuinely moving to hear the project reflected back in that way. There were generous responses from the floor, thoughtful questions, and a palpable sense of collective pride in what had unfolded locally. I was also able to thank those present for the connections, introductions, encouragement, and practical support that have quietly underpinned this initiative. Harmonious Heroes has never stood alone. It has grown through networks, trust, and civic generosity. Without that relational fabric, much of what was achieved this year would not have been possible.
As we reflected together, the conversation naturally turned toward the future. Harmonious Heroes has shown that young people thrive when learning is rooted in place and connected to real audiences and real contributions. It has demonstrated that entrepreneurial competences are not abstract concepts, but lived capabilities developed through action, reflection, and collaboration. When schools and community organisations walk alongside one another, something powerful happens. Young people experience learning not simply as preparation for life, but as participation in it.
What now becomes visible is not a need to scale quickly, but a need to steward carefully. The work is possible. It is already happening. The question moving forward is how it can continue to grow without relying solely on informal coordination and personal effort. That is a collective consideration rather than an individual one.
My sincere thanks to Llanelli Rotary for their thoughtful engagement, their encouragement, and for making Llanelly House such a meaningful setting for our children and staff. Your continued belief in the potential of our young people and our town truly matters. The journey of Harmonious Heroes continues, grounded in place and strengthened through partnership.
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