Thème 2 : The perception of civic and community engagement.
Extended Interview – SVP Youth Club Member
Name: Lee Tierney
Age: 20
University: Maynooth University
Association: St Vincent de Paul (SVP) – Youth Club
Role: Volunteer Mentor in After-School Programme
Q1: Hi Lee, can you start by telling us what SVP Youth Club is?
Lee: Sure! SVP Youth Club is part of the larger St Vincent de Paul charity here in Ireland. It focuses on engaging young people—mostly students—in helping local communities, especially vulnerable groups like children in disadvantaged areas, the elderly, or homeless people. We organize different activities throughout the year, from mentoring to food drives and awareness campaigns.
Q2: How did you first hear about SVP, and what motivated you to join?
Lee: I discovered it during the student societies fair at the beginning of my first year. I've always been interested in volunteering, and the idea of working directly with kids really appealed to me. Plus, I liked the idea of doing something that matters outside of just studying.
Q3: What kind of activities do you do in the SVP Youth Club?
Lee: Personally, I volunteer with the after-school homework club, where we help children from low-income families with their schoolwork. Other students help organize food parcels for families in need, or visit nursing homes. There's also fundraising and awareness events on campus, like sleep-outs to highlight homelessness.
Q4: What is your weekly commitment like?
Lee: On average, I give 3 to 4 hours a week. Sometimes more if we're preparing a big event or doing a special project, like at Christmas. It's very flexible and understanding of our academic schedules.
Q5: How are the children selected for the after-school programme?
Lee: SVP partners with local schools and social workers who identify families that could benefit from extra support—financial or educational. These kids come from areas where resources are limited, and they often don't get much individual academic attention.
Q6: What challenges do you face as a volunteer?
Lee: Sometimes it's hard to see the impact right away, especially with kids who are very shy or struggling. But building trust over time is so rewarding. Another challenge is time management when we have exams, but the team is always supportive.
Q7: Have you ever received any training before starting?
Lee: Yes! We all go through child protection and safeguarding training. We also attend workshops on communication, diversity, and mental health awareness. SVP takes this very seriously.
Q8: Do you think students in Ireland are socially engaged in general?
Lee: Yes, I do. Maybe not all are in formal volunteering groups, but many are involved in fundraising, social movements, or community-based projects. There's definitely a strong culture of civic engagement in Irish universities.
Q9: What about the university? Do they support your engagement?
Lee: Absolutely. Maynooth has a great support system for student societies. We can book rooms for events, promote our initiatives on campus, and even get small funding. Some lecturers even allow flexibility around big volunteering commitments.
Q10: Have you noticed any difference between Irish students and Erasmus students regarding volunteering?
Lee: Definitely. Some Erasmus students are surprised by how institutionalized volunteering is here. In some countries, they said volunteering is seen as something older people do, or just for religious reasons. Here, it's more part of student life.
Q11: Do you think volunteering should be compulsory in university?
Lee: That's a tough one. I think everyone should be encouraged, but making it compulsory might take away the passion. Volunteering should come from the heart. But more promotion and visibility would help get people involved.
Q12: What impact do you think your actions have had so far?
Lee: I've seen kids become more confident, open up more, and improve in school. One boy I worked with had no motivation at the start of the year, but by June he was helping others. That really stayed with me.
Q13: Has this experience changed you personally?
Lee: Oh yes. It made me more patient, more aware of social issues, and grateful for my own education. It also helped me with leadership and emotional intelligence. I think I've grown a lot since I started.
Q14: What would you say to a student who's never volunteered before?
Lee: I'd say: start small and follow what touches you personally. It's not about being perfect or doing a huge amount—it's about being present and caring. You'll get back more than you give, trust me.
Q15: Do you plan to continue volunteering after university?
Lee: Definitely. Whether it's with SVP or another organization, it's something I want to keep doing throughout my life. It gives me a sense of purpose beyond academics or a job.
