After-school and Homework Clubs

What is it?

This project is aimed at supporting children in their community to do well and stay in school. It is modelled on a successful initiative at Holly House, already running for 12 years in Loughlinstown, and is directed at children at risk of dropping out of school. The approach is to support them, their families, teachers, and other services in the community, to build a community network that benefits all involved. In disadvantaged neighbourhoods, this way of working has proven very successful, and there are several areas in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown where the model could be replicated.

Why is it important?

Despite DLR’s apparent prosperity, there are many small and often hidden, communities in the county, where people experience low levels of employment and job security and have poor educational progression. There can be high incidences of mental distress, addiction and domestic violence. Amidst apparent affluence, people in such communities can experience a sense of marginalisation, and invisibility and feel forgotten and overlooked. In a county that appears prosperous, it is difficult to attract funding for the services they need to break the cycle of disadvantage, which can then continue to the next generation.

Education is a proven route out of poverty and disadvantage, but attending school and keeping up is not always easy or straightforward. The Holly House model is the kind of service every disadvantaged community in the county needs to make sure children can make the most of their education.

How does it work?

Holly House is open five days a week during school term and includes a Homework Club for primary school students; an After School Programme for 4-7 year olds; grinds for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students in small groups; and a range of life skills and health and wellbeing activities for children, their families and the wider community. More than 60 children participate in the programmes every day. The experienced and well-trained staff work with people using a community development approach, enhancing the innate skills of children and families to break the cycle of disadvantage. The results of the Holly House approach have been evaluated and its outputs and outcomes are proven.

Changing Lives DLR is seeking funding to expand this programme to more communities. Already we have funded one additional club to be in Furry Hill in Sandyford – a local authority housing estate with very few services for children and families who would benefit hugely from this initiative. The Furry Hill community are enthusiastic and keen to have such a project. It could transform children’s life chances.

If you are interested in helping support Homework and After School Programmes, or wish to learn more about this initiative, please contact us.