Adult Education – Dress Making Volunteer

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

Our organisation

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002, we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

Adult Education – Dress Making Programme

One of the programmes referred to above is our Dress Making class. The classes run for 10 weeks and each class is 2 hours in duration. The Dress Making class offers members of the community a chance to get out and learn new skills or practice old ones, a chance to develop their sense of self-worth and self-belief, gain self-confidence, a chance to gain some respite from daily life, a chance to relax and meet new friends in a new social environment, a chance to put themselves first in a world where they may give over so much of themselves to others.

A lot of our members can have had a negative experience of education in the past and it can be a big step for them to come back into any educational training. We, therefore, ensure we provide a very relaxed educational environment where their needs are at the centre of everything we do.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the centre we are constantly seeking new volunteers to support our dressmaking tutor sharing their skills and knowledge with people undertaking Dress Making classes.


Tasks

  • Teach basics on how to use a sewing machine, curtain making, cushion covers, cross-stitch, tiebacks and others
  • To support the tutor to prepare the class in advance
  • To consult the service users when planning activities
  • Deliver safe, fun and creative Dress Making classes, sensitive to the needs and abilities of participants
  • Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Responsibility for overall set up and tidy up as well as maintaining a tidy press storage area
  • Supervise the group with first priority in their safety
  • Participate in the class and come to the aid of the participants
  • Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity
  • To attend meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the tutor and co-ordinator

Time commitment

The Dress Making class runs each Thursday 10:30am to 12:30pm and Friday 11:00am – 1:00pm. The Dress Making volunteer should commit to one class per week plus extra time for the preparation of the class (the exact times and dates of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme coordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over time.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Experience and skills in Dress-Making
  • A keen interest in Dress-Making
  • Experience in Group Instruction or teaching preferred but not essential
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Good organizational skills and basic administration skills
  • Intermediate level of English
  • Experience with adult learners of mixed learning capacities is an advantage but not essential
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community-based initiative

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • Ongoing individual training programmes will be provided if necessary

 

Support & Supervision

The coordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings or in larger group meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.
General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • To be part of a progressive team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers

Contact

admin@ozanamhouse.ie

01 8742804

Adult Education – Drama Volunteer

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

Our organisation

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002, we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

Adult Education – Drama Programme

One of the programmes referred to above is our Drama class. The class runs for 10 weeks and each class is 1.5 hours in duration. The Drama class offers members of the community a chance to get out and learn new skills or practice old ones, a chance to develop their sense of self-worth and self-belief, to build self-confidence, a chance to gain some respite from daily life, a chance to relax and meet new friends, a chance to put themselves first in a world where they may give over so much of themselves to others.

A lot of our members can have had a negative experience of education in the past and it can be a big step for them to come back into any educational training. We, therefore, ensure we provide a very relaxed educational environment where their needs are at the centre of everything we do.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the centre we are constantly seeking new volunteers to come on board to share their skills and knowledge with people undertaking Drama classes.


Tasks

  • To prepare the class in advance
  • To consult the service users when planning activities
  • Deliver safe, fun and creative Drama classes, sensitive to the needs and abilities of participants
  • Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Supervise the group with first priority in their safety
  • Participate in the class and come to the aid of the participants
  • Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity
  • To attend meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator

Time commitment

The Drama class runs each Monday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
The Drama volunteer should commit to one class per week plus extra time for the preparation of the class (the exact times and dates of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over time.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Experience and skills in Drama
  • Experience in Group Instruction or teaching preferred but not essential
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Good organizational skills and basic administration skills
  • Excellent level of English
  • Experience with adult learners of mixed learning capacities is an advantage but not essential
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community-based initiative

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • Ongoing individual training programmes will be provided if necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in larger group meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.
General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • To be part of a progressive team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers

Contact

admin@ozanamhouse.ie

01 8742804

Adult Education – Computer Class Volunteer

 

 

 

 

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

 

Our organisation

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002 we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

 

Adult Education – Computer Training Programme

One of tour biggest programmes is our computer classes. Each individual course runs for 10 weeks and each class is 1.5 hours in duration. With a maximum of 8 people per class and offering 12 different classes per week, this popular programme is offered to the entire community. It provides an opportunity for people to develop more confidence in themselves and in their skills and an improved sense of self-worth through a better understanding of computers and general IT. It also enhances peoples understanding of computers as an effective communication tool in today’s society leading to improved social Interaction and engagement through mobile technology, internet and email. Overall we aim to provide learners with new skills and with an improved and enhanced ability and confidence to engage positively in these communities.

A lot of our members can have had a negative experience of education in the past and it can be a big step for them to come back into any educational training. We therefore ensure we provide a very relaxed educational environment where their needs are at the centre of everything we do.

Overview of the Volunteer Role
One of the main aims of this programme is to assist local families and individuals in the basic and practical understanding of information technology and its value and use in today’s modern society. We offer courses to those who want to learn the basic skills and to those who have these skills but want to take them to the next level. Programmes offered range from complete introduction and beginner’s classes, improver’s levels, computer maintenance and management, mobile technology (phones, tablets), as well as internet and email focused classes.

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the classes, we are constantly seeking new volunteers to share their IT skills and to teach these classes in an informal setting. Our classes are focused on the needs of the individuals who take them. We operate course content outlines for each class offering participants a guideline to what they will learn. Within these guidelines we run the classes according to the participant’s skill levels and learning abilities. Volunteers are not required to be fully qualified IT teachers as the focus is on sharing their own IT skills with participants to achieve these goals.

Tasks

  • Preparation of the classes according to a given course outline
  • To implement and adhere to the ‘Computer Centre Policies and Procedures’
  • Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Teach the computer class
  • Supervise the group
  • Act as a mentor and help the people with their learning goals
  • Motivate and encourage the group to use their computers and mobile technology
  • To attend team meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator

 

Time commitment

The computer centre is open Monday to Friday and the classes run as follows:

  • morning classes   10:30am – 12:00pm
  • afternoon classes 2:30pm – 4:00pm
  • evening classes    7:00pm – 8:30pm

(the exact days and times of classes you will work with will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over this time, maximising the benefit of you as a teacher to the learners.

 

Other Volunteer roles

In addition, we welcome applications from potential volunteers who have specific expertise or skills which they can contribute. For example, volunteers in the past have delivered courses in desktop publishing, digital photography and mobile phone use (smart phones). Based on the skills offered we can tailor a course for a term of 10 weeks. The time commitment for these volunteers will be agreed in advance with the co-ordinator.

 

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Willingness to share your computer and technology knowledge
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Understanding of and commitment to the ethos of volunteering, community initiative and the organisation
  • Experience with adult learners of mixed learning capacities is an advantage but not essential
  • Experience in teaching computers would be an advantage but not essential as classes are very learner centric and informal

 

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will attend an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first engagement and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • Team meetings with our team of computer teachers take place each term, as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where necessary

 

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in team meetings meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.

General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

 

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich other peoples’ lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • To be part of a progressive and energetic team supporting others to achieve their goals and to improve their lives.

Contact

admin@ozanamhouse.ie

01 8742804

Adult Choir – Teacher

Our organisation & the programme

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002, we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

Our Adult Education programmes are extensive and vary from creative courses, like Arts & Crafts and Choir, Health & Wellness, Home & Life Skills, Computers classes and many, many more. It caters to different levels and these courses are an ideal springboard into further education.

Overview of the Volunteer Role
We try to nurture and build on the unique skills our volunteers possess and bring to the centre and we do this through supporting them to facilitate sessions with the adult education programmes. Our Adult Choir class offers an affordable space in a fun and friendly choral group. We cater for all abilities and levels.

It is open on Wednesdays from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, throughout the academic year.

Tasks

  • To prepare a 10 week course plan in advance of each term
  • To source materials required to undertake the courses, these will be funded by the centre
  • To ensure the room and space are prepared and ready for the participants in advance of the class
  • To lead and teach the class
  • To review activities with the programme coordinator implementing changes where necessary
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office

Time commitment

12.30pm – 1.30-pm for a ten-week term (Next term September 25th to December 4th 2019)

The volunteer should consider committing to the time of the classes/workshops plus extra time for the planning and preparation of the classes/workshops.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Expertise and skill in singing
  • Fun and Energy when teaching your skill to a group of enthusiastic adults
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Previous workshop experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Support

  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • The volunteer will receive support at all times of the programme staff – class leaders and assistants.
  • Special support will be given by the programme coordinator in advance for planning the workshop.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • Learn new skills (e.g decision-making and finding alternatives, leadership skills, communication skills, organizational skills, behavioural competencies)
  • The chance to contribute towards the development of people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in people’s lives
  • Opportunity to use and develop skills and talents
  • Opportunity to bring ideas on board and develop the centre
  • Opportunity to work in a relaxed atmosphere and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to develop friendships and meaningful relationships with like-minded peers
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers

If you have a skill or qualification in an area that you feel will benefit Ozanam House
please contact us!
A meeting will be arranged.

Contact

admin@ozanamhouse.ie

01 8742804

 

Adult Education – Arts & Crafts Volunteer

Our organisation

Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002, we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

Adult Education – Arts & Crafts Programme

One of the programmes referred to above is our Arts & Crafts class. The class runs for 10 weeks and each class is 2 hours in duration. The Arts & Crafts class offers members of the community a chance to get out and learn new skills or practice old ones, a chance to develop their sense of self-worth and self-belief, a chance to gain some respite from daily life, a chance to relax and meet new friends, a chance to put themselves first in a world where they may give over so much of themselves to others.

A lot of our members can have had a negative experience of education in the past and it can be a big step for them to come back into any educational training. We, therefore, ensure we provide a very relaxed educational environment where their needs are at the centre of everything we do.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the centre we are constantly seeking new volunteers to come on board to share their skills and knowledge with people undertaking Arts & Crafts classes.


Tasks

  • Take class attendance
  • To prepare the class in advance
  • To consult the service users when planning activities
  • Deliver safe, fun and creative Arts & Crafts classes, sensitive to the needs and abilities of participants
  • Responsibility for overall set up and clean up
  • Supervise the group with first priority on their safety
  • Participate in the class and come to the aid of the participants
  • Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity
  • To attend team meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator

Time commitment

The Arts & Crafts classes run each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
The Arts & Crafts volunteer should commit to one class per week plus extra time for the preparation of the class (the exact times and days of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over time.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Experience and skills in Arts & Crafts
  • A keen interest in Arts & Crafts activities
  • Experience in Group Instruction or teaching is an advantage but not essential
  • Creativity and Imagination
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Good organizational skills and basic administration skills
  • Good level of English
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community based initiative

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • Team meetings take place each term, as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in larger group meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.
General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • To be part of a progressive and energetic team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all class participants and volunteers

Contact

admin@ozanamhouse.ie

01 8742804

A Big Night for Our Adult Education Graduates

Last night, we hosted what will become the first of many Adult Education Ceremonies. We had students, teachers and volunteers in attendance. All of our wonderful students received their certificates and the event allowed us to reflect on the importance of continuing education, regardless of age, level or ability.

This was also a celebration of all the effort the students put in over the term. The hours of work, effort and concentration have paid off. The joy when receiving their certs was palpable. The displays of the students’ work were brilliant and really highlighted their talents. From dressmaking and art, to DIY, computers and mobile phones, choir, dancing and mindfulness and yoga, as well the cookery class providing some lovely food.

Lastly, but definitely by no means least, we had to say thank you. Not only to the students that attend Ozanam House, but to those that put in the hard-work and dedication to run the classes. From the volunteers, teachers and Kim, who oversees it all. The success of this programme is dependent upon them all. Thank you

Changing Seasons- The New Term in Ozanam House

There are no Adult Education classes over the summer, however, that doesn’t mean Kim and co aren’t busy in the background preparing for the autumn classes. There are life skill classes such as computers, DIY, Dress making, Cookery, social classes in art and choir, and fitness and well being classes in Yoga and Mindfulness and dance. We are are pleased to announce that we are adding a new Philosophy class in our ‘Love Learning’ section.

“Philosophy takes a look at life’s big questions. Over 10 weeks, we will discuss the questions that occupied the minds of the greatest thinkers the world has ever known.

We will begin in ancient Greece by examining the thoughts and ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The ideas of Plato and Aristotle are still very relevant in today’s society, particularly in the area of ethics or ‘moral philosophy’.” We then go through the Middle Ages before discussing Kant, Sartre and Nietzsche.

To find out more contact us or see flyer below.

Prog flyer Autumn 2018

Ozanam House Adult Education – Introducing Our New Philosophy Classes

Adult Education – Philosophy class

The Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

With this in mind, philosophy takes a look at life’s big questions. Over 10 weeks, we will discuss the questions that occupied the minds of the greatest thinkers the world has ever known.

We will begin in ancient Greece by examining the thoughts and ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The ideas of Plato and Aristotle are still very relevant in today’s society, particularly in the area of ethics or ‘moral philosophy.’

Moving on from this, we will examine the philosophy of religion. We will focus on the works of St Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, and discuss Aquinas’ ‘proof’ of God’s existence. We will also examine St Anselm’s ‘Ontological Argument’ which states that God’s existence is a logical necessity.

We will move further through history to the 16th and 17th centuries where we will meet Descartes and discuss his theory of dualism where he famously quotes cogito ergo sum or ‘I think, therefore I am.’

We will look at the reaction to Descartes with philosophers such as John Locke, David Hume, George Berkeley and Immanuel Kant.

Finally, we will discuss what’s known as philosophical anthropology (what does it mean to be human) with thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus and Jean Paul Sartre.