On Wednesday, 7th March, UCC President Michael Murphy is to take part in the UCC Suas Mentoring Awards, recognising the achievements of a group of UCC students who have given of their time to work as part of the Suas Mentoring Programme, providing one-on-one support to students from Knocknaheeney’s Terrence McSwiney Secondary School.

The project has gone from strength to strength over the years, with over 100 young people this year from UCC participating each week to work in the school. The students in Terrence McSwiney benefit from the direct support which has shown to have a great improvement in their reading and literacy skills. Examples of this achievement include one participant whose reading age jumped by over 2 and a half years through the support of her mentor.

The UCC students also benefit through seeing the impact they can have and improving their confidence and leadership skills.

Speaking of the importance of the project, Suas Mentoring Programme Manager Adelaide Nic Chartaigh said “It is amazing to see the power of this programme at work. We have seen how much our Mentors have grown through their service to others and we can really see the difference it is having for the students in Terrence McSwiney”.

At 12 O’Clock on Wednesday 7th of March, the Lord Mayor of Cork Terry Shannon will present certificates to the participants from Terrence McSwiney, followed later at 6 o’clock by the Mentor Awards which will be presented by UCC President Michael Murphy.