Volunteer

Description

Quantum Afterschools is a weekly homework and games club for Primary School-Aged children that runs in Urban Junction Community Centre in Blackrock. You do not need to be good at homework to help out! We love leaders who simply give their time and attention to the kids, helping them where they can, but more importantly showing an interest in them. 

We run every Tuesday during term time, from 3-4:30pm. (Leaders from 2:45-4:45 for set-up and clean-up). We have some time for children to do homework, draw, colour, play games, eat toast and drink juice, go to the park, and generally just feel safe and loved. This club is free for the kids too. 

Children come from local schools (Carysfort National, Guardian Angels, All Saints etc.), and love new leaders, warming quickly to them. We typically have between 8-12 children each week, with 4/5 adult leaders. Previous experience working with children is not essential but can be helpful, but we will offer some training too.

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:

- Spending time helping children with homework. I cannot stress enough how unimportant academic ability is; this is all about sitting with a child, giving them attention, and praising them for their work.

- Assistance setting up and clearing up the space. This can involve setting up and taking down tables and chairs, making toast and juice and clearing up afterwards, printing out colouring sheets etc. 

- Partaking in and running some short games. You will be trained for this and will observe at the start; we won't make you do anything you can't/don't want to do!

- Completing Garda Vetting for our organisation. 

- An in-person meeting with the main leader, Isaac Harris, to show you the space and field any questions.

Benefits of Volunteering:

- Experience working with children in a safe, welcoming environment. Some volunteer opportunities throw you in at the deep end but this club strives to be attentive to the volunteer's wellbeing and ability, checking in regularly to make sure the leader(s) doesn't feel overwhelmed or under-supported.

- Learning how to lead a group in a game or activity. This isn't just transferable to work with children, this can be helpful in office settings or anywhere where you may need to lead people in some sort of activity. Adults are just big children after all.

- An appreciation of Youth and Children's Work and its necessity for the development of children.

- Learning confidence in one's ability to lead children in an activity.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Tuesdays from 2:45pm-4:45pm, weekly during school term time. End date can be negotiated; we need someone until at least the end of April, but if volunteers can stay on longer, we finish at the end of June. Break between 30th March and 13th April for Easter. If this is something you can't do this semester, but might have more time for come September, we do run every year so please still get in touch!

Minimum time commitment per week:
2 hours p/week

Additional screening required for this role::
Garda Vetting Application. In-person meeting with staff as described above.

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
TU DUBLIN, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN