Library outreach in secondary schools via Junior Achievement Ireland

Abstract

This project was carried out via Junior Achievement Ireland, an educational non-profit, which helps prepare young people for their futures by delivering hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy and the value of STEM. JAI works with volunteers from a multitude of career paths to provide guidance and learning to children in primary and secondary schools across Ireland. While volunteering with Junior Achievement Ireland and representing Louth Library Service, I was tasked with delivering the Career Success module to Transition Year students. This helped the students prepare for the world of work by teaching them about communication, teamwork, CVs and interview skills. At the end of the module, I carried out mock interviews with the class to put their learning into practice. Throughout the module I was able to tell the students about my own career path and answer their questions about working in a library. The students gained valuable knowledge, while the library was boosted by a class visit and new memberships from the class. This outreach gave our library a valuable insight into the needs of young adults in relation to library services. We plan to use our experience from this project to build on the services that we provide to young adults and students. These plans include running projects via the Dormant Accounts Fund, outreach in DEIS schools in the locality, initiatives via Work Matters at your Library, career and CV guidance clinics, and the increase of both exam revision materials and secondary school class visits.