ESC: Aisling Project European Solidarity Corps Volunteering

Our Vision: "Children and young people in the community are achieving full potential in all areas of learning and development." Our Mission: Aisling Project provides a safe and stable environment where children and young people have the freedom to be themselves. We work to meet their physical, emotional and developmental needs. Providing hot meals daily to meet the nutritional needs of each child and young person. Offering homework support which encourages active participation and progress in education. Operating a reward system which recognises and rewards appropriate behaviour. Developing programmes that facilitate children and young people to become aware of their value in society and in the community. Working closely with families to keep them informed of their child's progress. Providing direct family support in the form of home visits and various additional aids. Referring families to other services when needed such as counselling, the strengthening families programme and St Vincent De Paul. Collaborating with other services within the community in order to offer children, young people and their families' multi-disciplinary support. Aisling Project has operated an after school service in Ballymun, Dublin since 1997 in response to the recognised social issues in the area. We aim to tackle educational disadvantage and encourage improved school participation and completion by targeting children and young people who are “at risk” of early school leaving. We are currently operate 5 centres across Ballymun, catering for over 135 children and young people ages of 7-17 years. Aisling project provides a safe and secure enviroment for all attending children and young people. A hot nutritious meal is provided each day. Homework support is a core tenant of our work. Each child and young person is supported to attempt and complete their homework. In time this can become part of their daily routine which allows the young student to to be far more confident going to school. We are committed to the goals of educational attainment. We also run a varierty of child led programmes and activities aimed at developing social skills and improving confidence levels. These programmes ran include health and hygiene, cooking, baking, drama, swimming, lego robotics, horse riding, gardening, music programmes and many more!. The project takes an early intervention approach and provides challenging and purposeful activities that enable children and young people to reach their full potential. They have a strong focus on the voice of the child and respecting each child as an individual. It has links to several other services, both local and further afield and makes appropriate referrals when required. These programmes are evaluated through logic models for several years which allows us to look at the short/medium and long term outcomes of our programmes. Our Values are; Providing a sense of belonging by offering children and young people a safe, secure environment where they are accepted and can be themselves. Building trusting, consistent relationships which enable children and young people to communicate openly and effectively. Promoting formal education by providing homework support and encouraging school attendance and active participation. Enhancing personal and social development through participation in non-formal educational programmes and activities. Educating children and young people about the value of respecting themselves and each other, which is reinforced through our reward system. Promoting equal rights and opportunities for staff, volunteers and young people, with an added commitment to combating all forms of discrimination. We have a zero tolerance policy on bullying and promote inclusion at all times. Utilising a non-judgemental approach in all interactions with children, young people, families, staff and volunteers. Advocating for children and young people to ensure that their voices are heard in decisions and matters relating to their welfare.