Volunteer

Description

The Community Mentoring Programme is a PATH (Programme for Access to Higher Education) which aims to connect student mentors from Irish Universities with students from their local communities. While the programme has been operating as an inter-institutional collaboration between  Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT), Marino Institute of Education (MIE), National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD). The programme also welcomes mentors from a variety of backgrounds in different colleges and careers. Mentors will share experiences about school and college, help students more about going to college, and have some fun!

Community Mentors often speak about the feel-good factor of ‘giving back’ to their community or supporting an organisation they are passionate about. Community Mentors will be provided with a training certificate and volunteering experience for their cv.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

The programme has a commitment of around 6 hours across the year. We ask mentors to complete the “Becoming a Community Mentor” training (1 hour with reading of resources) and deliver 1-3 mentoring sessions ( 3 x 1 hour sessions).

Volunteers once they have completed training should reach out to their former school/youth club/FET college and ask if they can do a mentoring session with current students sharing their advice and experience. Alternatively they can contact a host organisation in their local area. Volunteers will also need to check the vetting requirements of each organisation.

Skills required for this role:

The Community Mentoring programme is simple in that it is the sharing of information. Mentors need to be confident with public speaking and sharing their educational journey in an effort to inspire others.
 

The outline of sessions and training is all available online once volunteers get started. We also encourage 2 mentors to work together to deliver sessions so teamwork skills are a bonus. An interest in education and access to education and/or training is also desired.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Application Form, Garda Vetting where required by Host Organisation. We also recommend volunteers interested in working with young people to complete the TUSLA Children First E-Learning Programme.