Community Engagement in Ireland

Community Development

Language Requirement: English (Advanced)

One of only three campus community radio stations in Ireland, this radio station has been serving the Galway university student community for over 30 years. As a radio station "for students, by students", it facilitates genuine participation rather than one-way interactions with listeners and provides diverse and eclectic weekly talk shows covering a wide range of student issues like LGBTQ+ rights, Irish language shows, French language shows, Spanish language shows, university sports coverage, unsigned local artists, current affairs, on-campus event coverage, and more. Throughout the school year and summer, participants can join a dedicated group of local volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver a series of informative, entertaining, and exciting radio programs to the wider community.

Limited availability

Family and Youth Development

Language Requirement: English (Advanced)

Assist with a non-profit organization that works to provide support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Founded by a concerned parent group in 2011 to address a need for service provision, information, advocacy, and support for families living with ASD, this organization has since been providing social clubs, respite camps, skills-building workshops, family fun days, and activities for individuals on the spectrum, siblings, and whole families. Participants may support and supervise children of various ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a range of clubs and activities. These might include Lego Club, Movie Production Club, and Play Groups, as well as after-school activities, special holiday clubs, and weekend social clubs. During the summer, students primarily help prepare for and implement summer camps, which are held annually by this organization. Potential opportunities to help supervise additional special interest clubs may arise.

Family and Youth Development

Language Requirement: English (Advanced)

This organization offers a wide range of services to children and teenagers in disadvantaged areas in the city of Galway. They help to promote and encourage self-improvement and general well-being. They run a homework club throughout the school term, which offers children practical assistance with homework, and aims to inspire young people to develop their self-confidence and see the value in education. The center also runs an activity group that aims to promote social inclusion through arts and crafts, sports, drama, and cooking projects, which aids young people in developing their social skills and gaining confidence in their abilities. Activities undertaken by the club include youth exchanges, day trips, mid-term and summer camps, yoga and meditation, cooking classes, grinds (tutoring), as well as workshops on building healthy relationships and improving I.T skills.

Family and Youth Development

Language Requirement: English (Advanced)

The mission of this organization is to empower people with an intellectual disability to live the lifestyle of their choice and fulfill their own dreams and ambitions. In doing so, they offer practical and fun activities for individuals with disabilities, such as community outings to the coffee shop, shopping center, and gyn, as well as engaging classes and activities such as art and yoga.

Health

Language Requirement: English (Advanced)

This organization provides services like therapeutic horsemanship, equine-facilitated coaching, and EAGALA model equine-assisted personal development and psychotherapy. All the services provided utilize horses as a catalyst for change and are tailored according to the specific goals hoped to be achieved by the individual or group. Their core values include safety, respect, inclusion, learning, and fun.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to have significant previous experience with horses.