Volunteer

Description

This project co-creates a collaborative social space for inclusion and mutual knowledge and skills exchange between students benefitting from temporary protection, sanctuary students, and Irish students under the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) framework.

A six-week program (from 5 March to 16 April) will be dedicated to two-and-a-half-hour workshops centred on the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs), co-facilitated by experts in Psychology and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Through reflective exercises and group activities, participants will explore the direct relevance of their personal journeys to the SDGs, fostering active engagement with these crucial global goals.

Arts, Movement, and Music: Throughout the program, arts, movement, and music activities will be integrated into each session, fostering holistic learning, non-verbal expression, and meaningful interaction among participants.

The program learning outcomes include:

• Introduction to global citizenship and social inclusion;
• Actively promote intercultural competence and open-mindedness by encouraging self-awareness and curiosity, fostering open-mindedness about diverse perspectives;
• Explore diversity and build empathy, reinforcing the value of diversity within our community;
• Foster creativity and flexibility, leading to improved cross-cultural communication skills, intersectional thinking and intercultural competence;
• Project design in sustainable community development;
• Promote mental health and well-being;
• Enhance language skills;
• Create spaces for inclusion, networking and friendship.

Students will be invited to showcase some of the initial achievements from the programme through an arts-based intervention for the Saint Patrick Parade.

Four special psychological training sessions will be delivered between 30th April and 15th June, covering topics such as Intercultural competence, Fostering growth and resilience, Psychosocial well-being and Management of stress and anxiety.

From April to June, the facilitators will offer bi-weekly catch-up meetings providing guidance and support for the implementation of the group projects.

The culmination of the program will be marked by a closing ceremony on World Refugee Week on 17th June. This occasion will serve as a platform to celebrate the program’s achievements, showcasing the outcomes of our shared journey. It will be an opportunity for students to come together and share their experiences, learnings, and newfound perspectives. It will also be a moment to extend our connections to the local community, deepening the spirit of inclusion that lies at the heart of this initiative.

Is training provided?: Yes

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

What to Expect:

Students will commit to meeting on Tuesday afternoons/evenings for two and a half hours from 5 March to 16 April (six weeks).

Students will be invited to participate in Saint Patrick's parade (optional but highly recommended).

After the six weeks, students are invited to participate in the special training sessions from 30 April to 11 June. 
From April to June, the facilitators will offer bi-weekly catch-up meetings providing guidance and support for the implementation of the group projects.

A closing ceremony will be organised with the students on 17th June.

Skills required for this role:

Open-mindedness, willingness to meet new people, desire to learn more about SDGs, and willingness to create a positive impact in the community.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are welcome.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Tuesdays evenings for 2 1/2 hours, plus around one hour for project development with groups per week.

Minimum time commitment per week:
3 hour p/week