WIT News
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WIT students recognised for their work as ‘buddies’ to schoolchildren Posted: Mon, April 26, 2010 |
A group of 33 undergraduate students at Waterford Institute of Technology who volunteer as ‘buddies’ to support children attending primary and secondary schools in the city have been recognised at the Institute.
The ‘buddies’ are pursuing a range of programmes at the Institute and act as role models for schoolchildren who might not otherwise have regular contact with higher education.
Supported by Genzyme Ireland, the buddy programme is run by the Institute in collaboration with the Waterford School Completion Programme with more than 170 buddies trained and evaluated as they gain team-building, listening, communications and time management skills as well as learning about group dynamics, project planning, reflective practice and critical thinking.
As part of the Institute’s wide range of access initiatives, the ‘buddies’ meet the school-going participants for two hours each week and help build their self-esteem and –confidence through a range of games, sports, drama, cultural activities and academic workshops.
According to Nuala Lennon, Access Officer, Student Life & Learning, Waterford Institute of Technology: “Both the ‘buddies’ and the schoolchildren benefit from this programme as the buddies get to develop their own skills in a ‘live’ setting as well as getting a rounded insight to some of the challenges that others can face in accessing higher education.
“From the children’s viewpoint, they get a great chance to see college life and the link ups help take away any sense that higher education is for other people and not something they should aspire to. They also have tremendous fun and everyone involved learns from each other.
“The ‘buddies’ deserve a lot of credit for the time and energy they put in to the scheme which they juggle with their studies, sports and other commitments. Many of them show a real flair for the activities involved and the skills they are acquiring will stand them in good stead when they graduate.”
