About Solas Project
Solas Project is a charity (CHY 17385) based in Dublin 8. Our vision is to see communities rejuvenated. We aim to do this by equipping and building up young people to overcome all limitations imposed on them by social and educational disadvantage through the adventure of discovering their abilities and self-worth.
What's Involved
Would you like to make a difference to the next generation? Here's your chance to mentor a child and to be part of something bigger to provide a consistent, home away from home, safe place for children to come to every day after school. The children aged 6 - 12 come from challenging backgrounds. 'The Club' is a place for them to grow and flourish. A place where they can discover what makes them tick, what they're good at, where they can dream about their future and know that they are loved.
We encourage the children to be hopeful and to value each other, and their communities believing in change.
As a volunteer, you'll be inspired in the process of getting to know each of the individual children in club and seeing the impact that a consistent secure environment can have on their, sometimes, turbulent lives. At Solas Project we rely on our fantastic and committed team of volunteers. You will be an intricate part of making this happen.
Your specific tasks include :
- Picking the children up from school,
- Sitting down with the children over dinner, helping clear up plates / cups etc. (maybe even packing a dishwasher!),
-Sitting with groups of 2-3 children to assist them with their homework, gently encouraging children to get involved in the activities and providing a listening ear to those who are reluctant to participate.
In summary, your role is to be there for the children, engage with them, listen to their stories, ask them to tell you more, laugh with them and try not to take anything too personally remembering that they are children.
What's required for this position
This is a perfect opportunity to gain experience if you're interested in youth work, social work, teaching, community outreach work or childcare. It's also a chance to feel like you are contributing to redeem society's unfair socio economic balance. You will not regret being a part of this.
You need to:
1. Want to work with children
2. Have compassion and understanding
3. Have flexibility and resilience.
A prior exposure to either young people or vulnerable people in a disadvantaged context is a great advantage but not a requirement for this role.
- Community Development/ Social work
- Education/ Training
- General Admin/ Office Support
- Hospitality/ Befriending
- Other
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
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Minimum time commitment: 3 months
Hours required: 4hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
St Catherine's Church, Thomas Street, Dublin 8
Other location details:
40 The Coombe, Dublin 8, and Basin Street, Dublin 8
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Ongoing training opportunities
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
Yes
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Training will be provided - Induction training, Training on dealing with challenging behaviour, Contextual training and Child Protection Training all available. You will feel rewarded when you get a sense of the impact you can make on a child's life.
Getting there
Buses and Red line luas closeby all locations
