The SCP programme was set up to combat educational disadvantage. By supporting young people at risk of leaving school early to get the most from their education we are helping to fight against Youth unemployment along with poverty and marginalisation.We started EVS projects in February 2002. We can run a greater number of activities with volunteers and it gives a broader dimension to our work. We have young volunteers close to the age of the clients we work with, yet bringing a sense of maturity. Coming from different European countries they bring interest and challenge to our clients, by showing them wider horizons, broader views & cultural diversity.We help our clients to realise these young people are volunteering, not coming for financial reward. Students see the volunteers wanting to learn & study to improve their English etc. as positive. There are 4 nationalities and this will bring about awareness that they are part of a wider European citizenship. Project objectives to provide an opportunity for young volunteers to:Develop an awareness of the issues associated with early school leaving & build skills, knowledge & an attitude which help to address it.Gain an appreciation for those struggling with educational disadvantage & exclusion. Develop their understanding children’s work & youth work.Discover Irish life & culture and share their identity & culture, including their languageDevelop their language skills (mostly English but also Gaeilge).Earth their formal training in an informal way.Learn effective work structures & procedures eg. safety protocols & child protection practices.Learn about the Irish education system.Recognise the lifelong nature of learning.Gain independent living skills, maturity & resilience from living abroad.Share their learning with their own community on their return home.The ‘SCP Activity Assistants’ will support students both socially & academically in: ‘In-School’, ‘After-School’ & ‘Holiday Activities’.Task objectives: a. To build self-esteem in children & young people b. To give them a sense of acceptance c. To support literacy & numeracy development d. To support students in their life skill development e. To support them in learning a foreign language & culture f. To address basic needs due to financial hardship e.g. meal supportVolunteers form positive relationships with the young people & children, as role models, being empathic, & befriending.4 volunteer profiles:Tobias Fischer from Germany (21 yrs)He will finish his studies in English & Geography to become a teacher this summer.Florine Guimier from France (21 yrs)She is in training as a social worker. Elena Lorenzo from Spain (23 yrs)She has a degree in pedagogy & has continued to study how to support those with learning difficulties. Irina Zelenina from Russia (23 yrs)A student of Journalism. Russian literature , History, social & sports. Football, gymnasticsDescription of activitiesIn- School:- This will involve educational support both academic (e.g. helping with homework and school subjects) and social (e.g. helping to comfort and encourage students in their life by talking or doing activities). After School clubs include, sports, art, drama, music, cooking, board games etc. There will also be a certain amount administration e.g. recording. Holiday provision involves residential trips and children’s clubs.Methodology Volunteers will work with students as part of a team. They will have the SCP/school staff for guidance & support. They will build up a timetable for activities. Volunteer will mostly engage one to one with students, working through the development of positive relationships.The results & impact envisaged & longer term benefits.It is expected that volunteers will achieve the objectives listed above, gaining knowledge & skill in cultural, linguistic, Youth Work etc.More young people will remain in school & attain an improved standard of results in state examinations because of the EVS volunteers’ contribution. This enhances the individual student’s opportunities for employment and life. It also impacts the next generation because the cycle of educational disadvantage is being broken, as their children will have greater parental support to finish school. We financially support, feasibility visits & EVS management costs from our organization's funds. Also many staff give travel & other supports.4.2 Inclusion and diversity projects2. and/or address issues of inclusion and diversity that ultimately benefit youngpeople with fewer opportunities (even when they are not directly involved in theproject).(From, Erasmus+Inclusion and Diversity Strategy ̶ in the field of Youth, December 2014)We help volunteers in their understanding of inclusion & diversity by helping the disadvantaged to have greater opportunities as described in point 2 above. IE. Those at risk of Early School leaving.