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Each academic year the University of Ulster runs a number of schemes
for students and residents of South Belfast, including a Housing
and Financial Advice Day for students at the start of the academic
year. We plan to continue with the opening up of the University
to residents and community groups each year where many will again
receive invitations to various events. Each year residents visit
the University for our Christmas Carol Service. We also help organise
a carol service in the Holyland area, which is well attended by
students and residents.
Another source of pride and success within our Community Relations
Programme is our volunteering scheme with St. Vincent’s School.
Three students mentored pupils at St. Vincent’s in 2001-2002,
two students worked with the pupils on an art project and one
provided mentoring for an international business project. In 2003
we were pleased that Diane received a Millennium Award for volunteering
with the school meaning that her work could continue into the
2002-2003 academic year.
Student mentoring and volunteering provides students with valuable
work experience and life experience, and pupils in local schools
benefit from their world vision and knowledge and innovation.
The process is mutually beneficial and the cross-cultural and
multi-cultural experience on offer broadens everyone’s horizons.
The University of Ulster is committed in its outreach activities
and we will support and encourage community participation and
involvement by its students.
For more information on its outreach activities in South Belfast
contact Anne Monaghan, Community Relations Manager, on 9026 7241/
9036 8367. Fax 9026 7241/ 9036 6872. E-mail a.monaghan@ulster.ac.uk.
www.ulster.ac.uk/communityliaison
In
September 2003, Ms Diane Stirrup invited Mr B. Davey and Ms C.
Collins to the Millennium Awards ceremony at Lisburn’s Civic
Arts Centre when she received funding for this project. The school
was more than pleased to able to continue the work, which started
last year with the "Europe & You" project through
the "My Community" project this year.
The pupils enjoyed learning through interactive computer work,
class discussions including learning about ethnic minorities and
their culture, food tasting classes as well as educational trips.
Through the project, the pupils have gained a greater awareness
and understanding of their community and what citizenship really
means. St. Vincent’s would welcome further student contributions
as part of the mentoring scheme.
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