Category Archives: YOUTH GROUPS

Ozanam Youth Groups and Youth Services

Dec 20 2019
Gallery

Happy Christmas from our Youth Groups

This gallery contains 14 photos.

We have had news of a Santa’s Sleigh sighting over Mountjoy Square! Even the little elves have appeared out of nowhere! Be aware of the special one with an extra creepy laugh!  Here at Ozanam House, Santa’s elves have been hard at … Continue reading →

Dec 19 2019

Photography Leader

                                    

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 3 and our eldest is 94. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.


We offer a wide range of programmes that cater to the community of the North East Inner City. From our Childcare Centre for pre-school children to our Active Retirement and Men’s Groups for the elderly and our Youth Groups and Adult Education for everything in between.

Photography leader for Programmes

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 youth groups.

We are looking to document all of our programmes, with the Youth Groups in particular, as much as possible with a view to use for promotional material and social media. This will involve taking the pictures with a camera provided and editing the material using software like Abobe Illustrator and Photoshop. We are hoping that the leader will engage with the young people and show/teach them different techniques, possibly doing once off workshops.  

Tasks

  • Taking pictures of the Youth Groups in action
  • Properly cataloguing the material for use
  • Editing any material that needs it
  • To link in with the social media and design team for planning and production
  • To review activities when necessary
  • To link in with Group Coordinator to plan material
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Work with the Youth groups possible workshops. This will involve teaching interested children how to use photographic equipment and software.

Time commitment

3-4 hours monthly, but subject to change.

This ongoing project will interact with the different programmes and it is planned to take place in the next term year; September 2019 to June 2020.

It is hoped for that the volunteer will stay with the programmes for a period. The exact times and dates of the workshop will be agreed between the volunteer and the Youth Work coordinator.

The hours of project engagement will vary and will suit the volunteer’s and the centre’s needs. The volunteer should consider committing to the time of the group above plus extra time for the planning and preparation of the classes/workshops.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Expertise and specific skill in photography
  • Ability to relate well to young people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-confidence towards other people
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Knowledge of mentioned software
  • Previous workshop experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Support

  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the Youth Work coordinator 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 from the programme team – coordinator, volunteers, 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 children and young people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in young 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

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.

Phone: 01-8742804
Email: admin@ozanamhouse.ie

Dec 10 2019

SYS1 Youth Group Leader

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.

The role we are looking to fill is for the Senior Youth Service (SYS1);

The Senior Youth Service is open for young people from the age of 13 to 18 years with a maximum of 20 young people registered in the groups

These groups are multi-activity social and skill-based programmes that give children and young people a chance to find their hidden sometimes buried talents in a safe, fun, learning and social environment. The young people not only develop skills, but also develop new lifelong friendships and a respect for themselves and those around them as well as an enhanced sense of self-worth and belief that is immeasurable in today’s society. They achieve this with the support of our volunteers who work with us to create this safe environment.

Overview of the Volunteer Role
Each week, we organize activities such as cookery, computers, arts & crafts, sports, music and educational workshops to name but a few. 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 youth groups.

This support can help identify an area of expertise and specific skills that can be used to facilitate a series of workshops that would benefit one of the centre’s programmes.

The volunteer leaders support the young people in the activities, engaging with the young people, acting as mentors and role models throughout.

Perhaps the most important function of the groups is the educational and community support that is offered by our volunteer leaders. This support aids and assists the personal development of the children and young people in the centre.

Our Volunteers not only support the children and young people but also each other. This support means volunteers are able to share their learning in the role and to benefit from each other’s experience, sharing knowledge and skills.

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the group, we are constantly seeking new volunteers to facilitate group sessions and support the youth co-ordinator deliver a quality and professional programme to the children and young people ensuring a standard level of safety and fun environment within each group.

Tasks

  • Attend team planning meetings each term
  • Help prepare for the groups
  • Take part in activities and spend time with the children and young people
  • Be a role model for the children and young people and help them with their activities
  • Supervise the group together with other volunteers
  • Attend outings and trips to provide support to the co-ordinator, if requested and if available
  • Attend and contribute to debriefings after the classes with other volunteers
  • Work as part of a team within a really supportive environment where everybody helps each other, giving and taking ongoing feedback and support between all volunteers
  • Attend team meetings every term to assist the co-ordinator with planning, organising, developing and running the programme
  • Support the implementation of restorative practice as a procedure for conflict resolution in the group
  • Students/Interns/Volunteers with talents, skills and qualifications in specific activities are encouraged to teach classes if comfortable doing so, with the support and guidance of the coordinator
  • To attend meetings and training days if/when applicable
  • 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 group takes place on the following days:

Senior Youth Service 1 –        Tuesdays                                 7:15pm to 8:45pm.

Our expectation is that volunteers commit to one group on one day – 2 hours each week (the exact times and days of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme coordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. If the volunteer knows in advance that he or she can only commit to a shorter period of time, the volunteer should let the coordinator know.

 

Skills, Experience & Qualities

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish good relationships with children and young people
  • Strong commitment and enthusiasm to children and young people and an understanding of the factors affecting their lives
  • Interest and commitment to developing the capacity to provide reliable support to children and young people in times of stress and act with integrity, respect and support
  • Good organizational skills
  • Good level of energy and good commitment to having fun
  • An accepting and non-authoritarian approach
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Reliability, patience, resilience and flexibility
  • Ability to treat children and young people’s concerns with respect, tact and sensitivity
  • Ability to be aware of own limits, to admit it and to ask for support
  • An openness to learning and developing further good practices when working and supporting young people
  • Previous experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her start date 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 on a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description.
  • At this meeting, the volunteer will have a support volunteer appointed to them. This person will have been working with the group for some time and will provide initial guidance, advice and support to the new volunteer
  • Child Protection Training will be provided within the first few weeks. This training is compulsory and will inform the volunteer of the protection and welfare of children under the Children’s Act 1997 and best practices when working with children and young people.
  • Team meetings take place each term, as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where 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.
Furthermore, there will be a specific volunteer information session for the youth groups in January and September. Aim of this session is to get together, set an outline for the following period and explain the expectations for the volunteers in detail.

Benefits

  • General happiness and satisfaction
  • Personal and professional development in terms of confidence, patience, adaptability
  • 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 children and young people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in young 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
  • 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 are interested, please contact Kim:

Phone 01 874 2804

Email admin@ozanamhouse.ie

Dec 10 2019

Ozanam Youth Group 1 Leader

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

Ozanam Youth Groups – Youth leader 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.

The role we are looking to fill is for the Ozanam Youth Groups (OYG1);

The Ozanam Youth Groups are open for all children from the age of 6 to 13 years with a maximum number of 25 registered in the groups.

These groups are multi-activity social and skill-based programmes that give children and young people a chance to find their hidden sometimes buried talents in a safe, fun, learning and social environment. The young people not only develop skills, but also develop new lifelong friendships and a respect for themselves and those around them as well as an enhanced sense of self-worth and belief that is immeasurable in today’s society. They achieve this with the support of our volunteers who work with us to create this safe environment.

Overview of the Volunteer Role
Each week, we organize activities such as cookery, computers, arts & crafts, sports and music to name but a few. 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 youth groups.

This support can help identify an area of expertise and specific skills that can be used to facilitate a series of workshops that would benefit one of the centre’s programmes.

The volunteer leaders support the young people in the activities, engaging with the young people, acting as mentors and role models throughout.

Perhaps the most important function of the groups is the educational and community support that is offered by our volunteer leaders. This support aids and assists the personal development of the children and young people in the centre.

Our Volunteers not only support the children and young people but also each other. This support means volunteers are able to share their learning in the role and to benefit from each other’s experience, sharing knowledge and skills.

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the group, we are constantly seeking new volunteers to facilitate group sessions and support the youth co-ordinator deliver a quality and professional programme to the children and young people ensuring a standard level of safety and fun environment within each group.

Tasks

  • Attend team planning meetings each term
  • Help prepare for the groups
  • Take part in activities and spend time with the children and young people
  • Be a role model for the children and young people and help them with their activities
  • Supervise the group together with other volunteers
  • Attend outings and trips to provide support to co-ordinator, if requested and if available
  • Attend and contribute to debriefings after the classes with other volunteers
  • Work as part of a team within a really supportive environment where everybody helps each other, giving and taking ongoing feedback and support between all volunteers
  • Attend team meetings every term to assist the co-ordinator with planning, organising, developing and running the programme
  • Support the implementation of restorative practice as a procedure for conflict resolution in the group
  • Students/Interns/Volunteers with talents, skills and qualifications in specific activities are encouraged to teach classes if comfortable doing so, with the support and guidance of the coordinator
  • To attend meetings and training days if/when applicable
  • 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 group takes place on the following days:

Ozanam Youth Group 1 –     Tuesday and/or Thursday                    5:00pm to 6:30 pm

Our expectation is that volunteers commit to one group on one day – 2 hours each week (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. If the volunteer knows in advance that he or she can only commit to a shorter period of time, the volunteer should let the coordinator know.

Skills, Experience & Qualities

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish good relationships with children and young people
  • Strong commitment and enthusiasm to children and young people and an understanding of the factors affecting their lives
  • Interest and commitment to developing the capacity to provide reliable support to children and young people in times of stress and act with integrity, respect and support
  • Good organizational skills
  • Good level of energy and good commitment to having fun
  • An accepting and non-authoritarian approach
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Reliability, patience, resilience and flexibility
  • Ability to treat children and young people’s concerns with respect, tact and sensitivity
  • Ability to be aware of own limits, to admit it and to ask for support
  • An openness to learning and developing further good practices when working and supporting young people
  • Previous experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her start date 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.
  • At this meeting the volunteer will have a support volunteer appointed to them. This person will have been working with the group for some time and will provide initial guidance, advice and support to the new volunteer
  • Child Protection Training will be provided within the first few weeks. This training is compulsory and will inform the volunteer of the protection and welfare of children under the Children’s Act 1997 and best practices when working with children and young people.
  • 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.
Furthermore, there will be a specific volunteer information session for the youth groups in January and September. Aim of this session is to get together, set an outline for the following period and explain the expectations for the volunteers in detail.

Benefits

  • General happiness and satisfaction
  • Personal and professional development in terms of confidence, patience, adaptability
  • 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 children and young people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in young 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
  • 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 are interested, please contact Kim:

Phone: 01 874 2804

Email: admin@ozanamhouse.ie

Aug 1 2019

  Youth Programmes – Audio & Visual Club Leader

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 3 and our eldest is 94. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

One of the programmes referred to above is our Youth Programmes. These programmes are broken into age-specific groups:

  1. The Ozanam Youth Groups are open for all children from the age of 6 to 12 years with a maximum number of 60 registered in the groups.
  2. The Senior Youth Service is open for young people from the age of 13 to 18 years with a maximum of 40 young people registered in the groups

Audio & Visual Club Leader for Senior Youth Service

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 youth groups.

Our Audio and Visual Club will be one of the workshops undertaken as part of our Senior Youth Service. The club aims to promote the young peoples’ technical skills when it comes to using equipment relating to podcasts and video production. This involves recording using microphones and cameras and editing the material using software like Abobé Premiere Pro and Audition.

Tasks

  • With guidance and support of the Youth Work coordinator, to prepare these courses in advance gearing the content of the classes/workshops appropriate to the needs and skills of the young people
  • To act as a leader and facilitate this series of workshops in our Youth Service
  • To source materials 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 starting
  • To lead the class with the support at all times of the programme team – volunteer leaders and assistants
  • To review activities with the Youth Work 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
  • To review the workshops & programme when developing the next stage and further workshops.

Time commitment

Wednesdays 7.15 – 8.45pm

This club is planned to take place in the next term year; September 2019 to June 2020.

It is hoped that the volunteer will stay with the programme for that period. The exact times and dates of the workshop will be agreed between the volunteer and the Youth Work coordinator.

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

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Expertise and specific skill in audio/visual recording and production
  • Fun and Energy when teaching your skill to a group of young people
  • Ability to relate well to young people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-confidence towards other people
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Previous workshop experience is desirable but not essential
  • Knowledge of mentioned software

Training & Support

  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the Youth Work coordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree on a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • The volunteer will receive support at all times from the programme team – coordinator, volunteers, 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 children and young people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in young 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

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

 

Aug 1 2019

YOUTH PROGRAMMES MUSICAL DRAMA 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 3 and our eldest is 94. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

One of the programmes referred to above is our Youth Programmes. These programmes are broken into 3 categories:

  1. Youth Clubs: social activity and youth work-based clubs for age-specific groups (6-12 and 13-18 years).
  2. Music Club: lessons in guitar, violin, piano, singing and dance.
  3. Academic Support Groups: providing tuition, guidance and support to junior and leaving cert students

Musical Drama Teacher

Overview of the 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 youth groups.

Our Music Club offers affordable music lessons to children and young people from ages 6 to 14 years old. We offer a range of classes throughout the day with Guitar, Violin, Piano, Singing and Dance classes.

We cater for absolute beginners and intermediate level students, and we provide all musical instruments needed.

It is open on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm, throughout the academic year.

We now need a teacher of ‘musical drama’ to teach this class to the children.

This class includes singing and drama, theatrical skills and music. The class will run for one hour during the club times above.

Tasks

  • To prepare these classes in advance
  • To source any materials required to undertake the classes, 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 starting
  • To lead and teach the class with the support at all times of the programme team – class leaders and assistants
  • To review activities with the Youth Groups 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

Saturday 11.30am-1.30pm

September 2019 to June 2020

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 specific skill in a musical theatre, singing, drama and/or dance
  • Fun and Energy when teaching your skill to a group of young people
  • Ability to relate well to young people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-confidence towards other people
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Previous teaching 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 on a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
  • The volunteer will receive support at all times of the programme team – class leaders and assistants.
  • Special support will be given by the programme coordinator in advance for planning the classes.

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 children and young people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in young 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

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

Jun 28 2019

Summer Project Training

As our Youth Summer Projects are about to begin, we are doing lots of training before our volunteers can start. This is just a small sample of the work that goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the Summer Projects that our highly committed volunteers are involved in.  Our programme coordinators, Nino and Eireánn also put in a lot of planning and resources to make the projects run efficiently.

Jun 22 2019

CoderDojo Mentors needed for Ozanam House

Information for Volunteers

 

General Information

We are in the process of establishing a free after-school coding club for young people in our community, as part of the CoderDojo movement, here in Ozanam House which is a community centre in the North Inner City run by the SVP.

 

CoderDojo is a global, volunteer-led movement that organises free computer clubs for young people aged 7–17, and there are more than 1600 clubs (Dojos) in countries all over the world. At a Dojo, young people explore technology and learn how to code in a fun, relaxed environment. CoderDojo gives young people confidence, a place to meet new friends, and valuable skills for the future, and it can open up new avenues for children who might not otherwise have such learning opportunities. You can find out more at coderdojo.com.

 

In order to be successful, a Dojo needs mentors — adult volunteers, with or without technical skills — who provide support, guidance, and encouragement for young people to complete their projects and develop their skills. Mentors in turn also receive opportunities and benefits by being a part of the CoderDojo movement as well as being a member of Ozanam House and SVP. I hope you will share this message with your staff and students, offering them the chance to contribute to their community by becoming CoderDojo mentors.

 

Champion’s Handbook

 

In addition to the resources provided here at Ozanam House, there is also a depth of resources available through the CoderDojo website which includes activities for starting the class and the best software to use for programming. There is also a Champion’s Handbook which gives the background information on CoderDojo, like how it was set-up and the organisation’s ethics, how to get a Dojo up and running and how to structure the sessions.

 

Class Structure

 

Speaking of class structure, we are hoping to have 10 Ninjas (participants) per session, which will mean a Champion and at least three mentors facilitating the sessions. We would like to have 10 mentors on the books as a way of making sure there is enough cover. The sessions will take place here at Ozanam House and we will make laptops available to those that don’t have any.

 

Time

 

The sessions will take place for two hours on Saturdays.

 

Skills

 

Do you have to be an expert in code and programming to become involved? No, not at all. While this is a bonus, it is not essential. We do ask that you do have some technical knowledge and are comfortable using computers and for your time and enthusiasm. Also, if you have experience in a similar set-up or a background in dealing with children and teens would be a bonus.

 

Process

 

The process is the same for all our volunteers. As we have a responsibility to all the service users at Ozanam House, everyone will go through the Garda Vetting process and reference checking. There will also be inductions and Child Protection Training provided.

 

Why be a mentor?

 

Mentoring provides volunteers with a host of valuable new skills and experiences:

 

–Communication skills: Interaction with young people and other mentors allows volunteers to develop their communication skills.

 

–Networking: Mentors will have the opportunity to form contacts with IT professionals.

 

–Develop programming skills: Mentors’ technical skills will be fostered, as each Dojo covers several programming languages from beginner to advanced levels.

 

–Local community and youth work: Mentoring will give volunteers experience of working with young people while helping out and giving back to their local community. You can support young people in Dublin’s North Inner City to develop skills which will give them opportunities to create better futures.

 

–Professional development: Many companies recognise CoderDojo mentoring as a great addition to a job applicant’s professional development. Some companies that have worked directly with CoderDojo are Microsoft, Salesforce, Accenture, Riot Games, Deloitte, and Thomson Reuters.

 

 

Find a video illustrating what mentoring at a Dojo is like at dojo.soy/letter-mentor-vid

 

Interested?

 

Thank you in advance for helping young people in our community improve their confidence and creative skills while learning to build amazing things with technology. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer, please email us at admin@ozanamhouse.ie

 

Ozanam Coder Flyer (Champions and Mentors[admin])