Context of project 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. Having 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 and cultural diversity. Our clients realise these young people are volunteering, not coming for financial reward. Students see the volunteers wanting to learn and study to improve their English etc. as positive. There are 4 nationalities and this brought about awareness that they are part of a wider European citizenship. Living together and working in an Irish setting allows the volunteers to reflect on their experiences. Project objectives The objectives are to provide an opportunity for young volunteers to: Develop an awareness of the issues associated with early school leaving and build skills, knowledge and an attitude which help to address it. Gain an appreciation for those struggling with educational disadvantage and exclusion. Develop their understanding children’s work and youth work. Discover Irish life and culture and share their identity and culture, including their language Develop their language skills (mostly English but also Gaeilge). Earth their formal training (where appropriate) in an informal way. Learn effective work structures and procedures such as safety protocols and child protection practices. Learn about how the Irish education system operates. Recognise the lifelong nature of learning. Gain independent living skills, maturity and resilience from living abroad. Share their learning with their own community on their return home. The ‘SCP Activity Assistants’ supported students both socially and academically in a number of settings. ‘In-School’, ‘After-School’ and during ‘Holiday Activities’. Objectives for student work: a. To build self-esteem in children and young people b. To give them a sense of acceptance c. To support literacy and numeracy development d. To support students in their life skill development e. To support them in learning a foreign language and culture f. To address basic needs due to financial hardship e.g. meal support Volunteers for the most part formed positive relationships with the young people and children, by being role models, being empathic, and befriending. number and profile of participants We had 4 volunteers. 26 year old David Garcia Roca from Cartagena, Spain an unemployed, literature & English language graduate. 20 year old Valeriia Samoilova from Dnipropetrovsk in the Ukraine has a professional qualification of physical education teacher. 21 year old Carolin Roth from Constance in Germany took a break from her psychology studies. 21 year old Orane Charrier from La Roche-sur-Yon near Nantes in France studied public administration. Description of activities The volunteers will be ‘SCP activity assistants’. They will support project worker to deliver a programme of activities involving ‘in-school’, ‘after-school’ and ‘holiday provision’ programmes. In- School:- This involved 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, computers, 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 worked with students as part of a team. They had the SCP/school staff for guidance and support. They built up a timetable for activities. Volunteer mostly engaged one to one with students, working through the development of positive relationships. The results and impact envisaged and longer term benefits. The volunteers achieve the objectives listed above, gaining knowledge and skill in cultural, linguistic, Youth Work etc. I have no doubt that young people remain in school and 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 and EVS management costs from our organization funds. Also many staff give travel and other supports.