Volunteers required
For the Information and Support Unit for New Communities (ISU) WATERFORD
The ISU is an NGO based in Waterford City. We provide the opportunity for all Foreign Nationals to enhance their lives and their ability to be contributing members of society. We provide the service to remove barriers to participation and integration, and support people in need particularly those that are poor and marginalised. We do this through the co-ordination of Information and Services in 3 main areas:
- Education & Information Programmes
- Cultural Integration Programmes
- Work Readiness Programmes.
At the moment there is a need for volunteers to work on a number of key tasks such as:
To meet organise and supervise activities for young people aged ten to twenty one to deliver some of our actions for young people as per our Minority Youth Strategy. Volunteers must have an ability to engage and motivate young people. Experience in working with youth, good communication skills and Garda clearance is required.
Cultural events are hugely important for the work of the ISU towards integration. We would like to offer volunteers the opportunity to discover and enjoy the rich cultural experience of working with other nationalities and cultures to develop a calendar of cultural events to showcase the activities of the ISU/clients and the benefits of living in a diverse society in Waterford. The main tasks that we need volunteer assistance for include - setting up an intercultural committee to meet bi-monthly to develop the calendar of events,
- organising and advertising events,
- contacting patrons to attend,
- preparing media reporting of events,
- stewardship at events and
- Fundraising for activities.
- English Language Summer School
The purpose of the Summer School is to offer young people aged 12-16 an opportunity to enjoy two weeks of intensive English language learning and social activities in a safe environment. Tasks will include:
- agreeing dates for summer school term,
- working with local schools to identify and nominate pupils
- Identifying and accessing appropriate funding streams to support this venture Volunteers with appropriate skills will provide English language tuition and organise social activities to be delivered with the assistance of mainstream youth service providers.
- Voluntary English Language & Failte Isteach Programme (Conversational English).
English language classes are provided for Asylum Seekers currently for 6 hours per week. Conversational English classes are available to working and other migrants for 4 hours per week.
Tasks will include:
- Providing Voluntary English language supports to adult learners on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 10am-12noon.
- Providing supports to Conversational English students which take place on Monday morning from 9.30 – 11.30am and Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm.
- Volunteers will also be welcome to sit on our English Language Strategic Implementation committee to drive forward our actions for Waterford City & County.
- Internships/Placements
Where available the opportunity for 3rd level students, graduates or research students to work, study and conduct agreed research will be accommodated.
- Internships will be for a minimum of 6 calendar months.
- Placements will be offered to colleges participating in Social Studies, Humanities and Humanitarian Assistance/Overseas Aid Work/Development.
Garda Clearance will apply for ALL volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers must have a GENUINE interest in working with people from other nationalities.
For further information and application forms please contact Beverly or Anne at the office on 051 852564, e-mail isuoffice@gmail.com or access our website on www.edmundrice.ie/isu
Br Kevin Mascaranhas
Director
Information and Support Unit for New Communities
Mount Sion
Barrack Street
Waterford
051 852564
www.edmundrice.ie/isu
