GIVE (Guided Initiative in Voluntary Engagement) - Achievement Through Collaboration
Anna Murphy (Limerick Institute of Technology), Edward O'Shaughnessy (St Munchins Family Resource Center)
Abstract
The mission statement of Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) is to prepare learners for fulfilling and challenging futures, fostering the professional, intellectual, social, cultural and personal development of the individual. The hallmark of our educational philosophy is active learning through a fusion of theory and practice. LIT is an important player in its region and community and its educational philosophy is being further developed to encourage students to become active citizens within the college and the local community. In fostering this ethos, the GIVE (Guided Initiative in Voluntary Engagement) project was established by the LIT Access Service in association with the President’s Office in the academic year 2007/2008.
The GIVE project encourages students to engage in voluntary activities under the guidance of the Access Service. In return, the Access Service trains the volunteers and assists them in developing their skills in leadership and communication. The LIT GIVE project benefits both the community and the volunteers by combining a service experience with a learning and development experience. GIVE volunteers bring their enthusiasm, skills and abilities to their roles. A certain level of commitment is requested from GIVE volunteers and in appreciation of this commitment; GIVE volunteers receive a Commendation from the President of Limerick Institute of Technology, Dr. Maria Hinfelaar. The President’s Commendation is a tiered, prestigious commendation scheme that bestows recognition on GIVE volunteers on completion of a level of commitment to the project.
Throughout the academic year GIVE volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from sporting initiatives to educational initiatives. The community response on the contribution from GIVE volunteers is echoed in the words of Eddie O’Shaughnessy, Youth Worker at St. Munchin’s Family Resource Centre:
“Working with ‘GIVE’ volunteers through the Access Service at LIT is fast becoming a wonderful asset to St. Munchin’s Family Resource Centre and is contributing in a very meaningful way by creating positive links between the local community, the students and the Institute of Technology. While working with ‘GIVE’ student volunteers in the ‘GO4IT’ initiative, a third level access program for sixth class students, it became evident that their enthusiasm was not only beneficial to us, but was also creating positive role models for sixth class students. This joint initiative between the Family Resource Center and Limerick Institute of Technology has served to strengthen links for all concerned, especially the local community, and has given the word ‘volunteer’ new meaning and a place in people’s lives.”
Working in close partnership with the local community has enabled the GIVE project to have significant benefits to both the students and community organisations. We welcome an opportunity to highlight our shared experiences of the GIVE project and the resulting strengthened relationship between the community and Limerick Institute of Technology.
