Why Mentoring in Ireland?

At this time of economic uncertainty, those from disadvantaged communities face an increased risk being left behind by the education system. Research has shown that:

Children from disadvantaged communities make up the majority of those who fail to benefit from the education system
‘Minority language children’ ... do consistently less well than their classmates

There is a need for extra educational support, to ensure that these children and young people are encouraged to remain in school and complete their education.

What is the Suas Mentoring Programme?

The Suas Mentoring Programme offers support to people at the margins of the education system. It has three aims:

Addressing Educational Disadvantage
Promoting Social Inclusion
Building Active Citizens

Suas College Societies work in partnership with local community organisations to run mentoring projects for children and young adults from under-resourced or marginalised groups.

In 2009, 287 people from marginalised and under-resourced communities benefitted from 15 Suas mentoring projects. 170 young people volunteered their time in these projects.

Who benefits from the Suas Mentoring Programme?

The programme works with three groups:

Children from designated disadvantaged schools
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Members of the Travelling Community

Mentoring Programmes are currently active in Dublin, Cork and Galway, and take the form of homework clubs, one-to-one English language tuition sessions, paired-reading classes, back-to-work projects and an after-school sports club.

Looking Forwards

In 2010, we expect that there will be a high need for programmes such as the Suas Mentoring Programme. Our key priorities are:

Maintain our existing programmes
Work with our partners to improve the benefits of existing programmes
Ensure programmes are sustainable in the long-term

Getting Involved

Mentoring Programmes are currently running in Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, National University of Ireland Galway and University College Cork. If you are in one of these colleges, and would like to become a mentor, please contact your college's Suas Society.

More Information

Click here to download a detailed overview of the Suas Mentoring Programme. For more information on the Suas Mentoring Programme, please contact us at 01-6621410.

Testimonials

“This was a great experience for all involved and is something I see great value in for the children of Ballymun.”

- Peter Doherty, Coordinator, The Aisling Project

“This project has helped between 20-30 children in our school to do their homework in a safe environment and know that they will start the next school day on a good footing”

– Teacher, O’Connell’s Primary School, Dublin

"Fantastic. I know volunteering can seem like a big commitment and it took me til 3rd year in college to make it but it was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done."

- Suas Mentor, Homework Club, Galway