Ireland
The popular image of Ireland until recently was of a rural country with close knit communities and a slow pace of life.
In the 1990’s an economic boom (known as the Celtic tiger) transformed Ireland, modernising the country and attitudes with it. Ireland became an attractive destination for multi-national corporations and is home to some of the leading technological and pharmaceutical companies. While the standard of living has risen considerably, many challenges have been created in its wake.
Issues Facing Society
Wealth in Ireland is very unevenly divided, and many marginalised groups are as needy as ever. Those with special needs, young people at risk, and older people in Ireland are finding difficulty meeting their needs in the Ireland of today. The country now boasts a multi-cultural society, but in reality there is little inter-culturalism or understanding between our new arrivals and the general population. Our environment is under threat from over development, and there is rising conflict between those wishing to progress the economic boom and infrastructure and those wishing to preserve Ireland ’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
Volunteer Organisations
Many of the organisations that act as advocates for the marginalised require volunteers to realise their important work. Voluntary and non-governmental organisations have found that with the economic boom people seem less inclined to volunteer.
Projects
Assisting those with Disabilities
VIP works with one of the longest established organisations offering services to those with physical disabilities in Ireland – Cheshire Ireland which has 19 service centres throughout Ireland. Cheshire Ireland, in partnership with service users and statutory and voluntary agencies, provide quality accommodation and support services to adults with primarily physical disabilities.
Two of the centres have been hosting volunteers for many years and have strong volunteer policies and trained staff in place – St. Laurence Cheshire Home, Glanmire, Co. Cork and O’Dwyer Cheshire Home, Bohola, Co. Mayo. Volunteers will most likely be placed in one of these two centres, though the possibility of placements in Kerry and Dublin also exists. Programme Length: 3 months
Sample Project
The O’Dwyer Cheshire Home was founded in 1976 and was set up by the late Hon. Paul O’ Dwyer, lawyer, long time activist and human rights campaigner in the United States . The home is built on the grounds of his ancestral home. The Cheshire Home is home to over 30 service users with varying degrees of physical disability.
Expected tasks
This purpose of this volunteer project is to support the social integration of adults with physical disabilities. This will involve the volunteer assisting the service users to increase their social activities and to integrate into the local community. Service users attend courses locally and need assistance from volunteers daily.
Additionally, the home has an activities and excursions programme, mainly led by volunteers. Some typical programmes include computer, music and cooking classes, speech therapy, drama and art workshops (including displays), gardening and life skills coaching.
Ideal volunteer
Cheshire Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and this extends to volunteer recruitment. Volunteer would need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age at time of application
- Have a developed understanding of physical disability and related issues
- A genuine interests in working with adults with physical disabilities
- Will be happy interacting with staff
Environmental and Conservation Projects
VIP offers placements in a range of environmental and conservation organisations whose aims range from increasing environmental awareness to actual conservation of buildings, gardens and the protection of natural heritage. Volunteering in one of these projects means that those passionate about conservation and the environment can make a real difference. Programme length : 1-3 months
Sample Project
Kilmorna House Restoration Project is located in Lismore, a heritage town in County Waterford. Kilmorna House is an imposing Georgian house which was built in 1801 for Baroness Katherina of Kilmorna. It is currently in the process of being renovated and will ultimately be home to a variety of cultural activities including classical history, wine appreciation, art history, literature and garden design.
Expected tasks
Working on building reconstruction and renovation as part of a volunteer team.
Ideal volunteer
Should enjoy working with others and if living on site should willingly contribute to general living arrangements in terms of communal food preparation, taking responsibility for washing own bed linen and being part of a team.
Sample Project
Leades Environmental Awareness Project. The 250-acre Leades House estate was owned by the Woodley family from the mid-17th century to 1981, when it was purchased by the Wolfe family. In 1997 work began on the deteriorating house and gardens to restore them to their former grandeur. The main activities at Leades House focus on environmental awareness and programmes are offered to visitors to learn about the related topics.
Expected tasks
A variety of tasks depending on which area (listed below) that the volunteer is placed in.
- Organic kitchen garden : Harvesting, planting, clearing and planning
- Victorian gardens : Planting, clearing, weeding, cutting grass and clearing streams
- On the farm : Looking after animals, cows, pigs, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks and dog, milking cows and herding them as part of a team, setting up feeds in winter. Also cleaning up old farm buildings, painting and decorating.
- In the forest : Planting trees, cutting and collecting wood for heating.
Ideal volunteer
Needs to be an adaptable flexible type of person. They would need to enjoy teamwork and also work well as an individual, as well as outdoor work and rural living.
Assisting the Homeless
It is estimated that up to 10,000 people experience homelessness in Ireland each year.
Programme Length: 1-12 months
Sample Project
The Simon Community is a caring and campaigning movement that has been working with homeless people in Ireland since 1969. The community approaches the issue of homelessness in two ways. On one level they offer accommodation and care to homeless people in a warm and accepting community. At a broader level they try to challenge Irish society to accept responsibility for tackling the root causes of homelessness and for designing long-term strategies for its elimination.
Expected Tasks
Full-time volunteers work in the emergency shelters, transition houses and supported housing projects. In some Communities they may be involved in settlement projects. They work as part of a team with paid staff.
Ideal Volunteer
You must be:
- aged 18 or over
- concerned about social justice
- mature, adaptable, and flexible
In addition, applicants from non-English speaking countries must have an excellent standard of spoken English.
Arts, Theatre and Children’s projects
Ireland is host to a myriad vibrant arts organisations – from those fixed and outreach cultural programmes for children to street theatre groups that promote community celebration. Central to all the organisations that EIL works with are the young people realising their creativity. Volunteers act as facilitators in this valuable learning process. Programme Length: 1-3 months
Sample Project
Macnas Community Group. Macnas is involved in community based celebrations. These vary in size and take place throughout the year. All celebrations involve participants in the making of props, costumes and floats. Participants also perform in the final event.
Expected Tasks
A volunteer will be involved in all aspects of the work of Macnas. They can choose to specialise in one area or get experience in many different areas. Some volunteers have worked with Macnas on away projects in various parts of the country.
Ideal Volunteer
An interest in working with the arts would be an advantage but not essential. Above all an ability to get along with other people is crucial as all projects are based on teamwork. Volunteers are particularly welcomed during major festival periods such as Halloween and the Galway Arts Festival in July.
Please note that there may be an additional fee for housing as there are no residential accommodations at the Macnas site.
Programme details
Arrival and Orientation
Orientation will take place upon arrival in Cork. If you are flying in to Cork airport, you will be collected at the airport. Orientation will take place at the EIL office, covering issues such as health and safety, Irish culture and society, and voluntary work. Overnight accommodation will be provided in Cork, and the following day you will travel to your host community to begin your voluntary work placement.
Accomodation
Accommodation is generally with a local host family near the project location. Staying with a host family allows you to integrate quickly into the local community, to make contacts, and to learn about the Irish way of life. Your host family will provide your meals for the duration of your stay.
In some cases, it may be possible for accommodation to be provided at the project site, in which case the cost of the programme will be reduced. However, there are a very limited number of these placements. If you wish to be considered for one of these placements, please indicate it on your application form.
Requirements
Age: 18 +
Costs for 2010
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | US$ 1990 |
| 8 weeks | US$ 2350 |
| 12 weeks | US$ 2715 |
Please note, due to fluctuations in the exchange rate prices are given in US$. A price will be quoted in £ sterling on application.
What is included in the cost of the programme
- Information, preparation and support from the EIL UK office, including an interview prior to acceptance on the programme.
- Placement in a volunteer work project.
- Accommodation and food for the duration of your stay (usually with a local host family).
- Support and problem solving from a mentor within the project and EIL.
- Arrival orientation, including on night’s accommodation.
- Public transport from the orientation to the voluntary work project.
- Public transport to airport on departure.
What is not included in the cost of the programme
- International transportation.
- Transport to Cork on arrival.
- Personal spending money.
- Medical and accident insurance.
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