June

Homework Clubs recognised at national awards

Queen’s Students’ Union Homework Clubs, set up to  to assist primary and post-primary school children across Belfast, have won a top award at the Business in the Community Northern Ireland Impact Awards 2014! 

Volunteer SU set up the Homework Clubs last year, and thanks to all your hard work we have been able to help hundreds of school children across Belfast with their homework. These children have now been given greater hope of going on to further and higher education as a result.

Volunteer SU currently supports 10 ‘Homework Clubs’ across Belfast with over 100 Queen’s students assisting children at both primary and post primary level. Accepting the award on your behalf  Volunteer and Development Support Officer, Lucia Kearney said: “Many children in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas across Belfast may not have the opportunity, resource or support to complete their homework, often leading to underachievement at school. This may result in reduced confidence and limited opportunities for the future. 

“Our unique ‘Homework Club’ initiative is co-ordinated by local community groups and supported by Queen’s student volunteers, providing free homework support to children on a regular basis within a safe environment.

“Queen’s Students’ Union is delighted that the scheme has been recognised by this significant award and our student volunteers should be very proud of their achievements.  They are making positive changes at a grassroots level and their efforts are exceptional.  Thanks must also go to the community groups who have welcomed us into their communities, given us the chance to work with their children and provide continuous support to our student volunteers. 

“The ‘Homework Clubs’ are improving the academic achievement and building the confidence of local children, alongside raising their aspirations to believe in their potential and ability to participate in further and higher education.

“The ‘Homework Clubs’ also play an important role in the personal and professional development of Queen’s students.  The voluntary role enables them to build their confidence, improve their communication skills, broaden their horizons, boost their employability prospects and feel rewarded for the support that they are giving to children.” 

Nicola Johnston, Project Co-ordinator of Education and Youth at Belfast South Community Resources said: “We have seen good progress in pupils’ education through feedback from teachers and parents on specific individuals and the raising of standards in their homework. This makes them proud and instils self-belief that if they work hard they can achieve their goals. 

“In previous years we did not have a single pupil who said they wanted to go to university as they believed that this was not an option for them, some of these same young people are now aspiring to go on to further or higher education.  None of this would have been achievable if it were not for the support of the Queen’s University Student Volunteers.”

If you are interested in volunteering to help out an organisation, your community or the environment, we have plenty of opportunities for you whether you have lots of time on your hands or only a few hours here and there.

If you would like to know more, have any questions or would like to meet Lucia, your Volunteer & Development Expert, just get in touch. She's happy to help!