Certificates awarded to our young leaders
MEITHEAL LEADERS at the forefront of an anti-bullying campaign in County Wexford were presented with their Certificates of Achievement at a ceremony in county hall at Carricklawn, Wexford, last week.
Twenty-two schools from around Wexford were represented at the ceremony.
Meitheal is a mentoring and anti-bullying programme which has been in Co Wexford post-primary schools for 17 years.
Although taking a pro-active stance regarding bullying, the Meitheal leaders face numerous challenges throughout the year.
Often students will confide in their leader with quite serious issues, the leaders have received training on what to do if such disclosures are made and in the past have acted promptly and with a maturity beyond their years.
Leaders are a friendly face for first years and provide invaluable support during the difficult transition phase from primary to secondary school.
Leaders meet with their first years on a regular basis throughout the academic year and are a trusted source of practical help and advice during that difficult first year in secondary school.
To prepare for their role Leaders attend a two day residential training programme during their summer break where they attend workshops covering communication skills and active listening, conflict resolution, cultural awareness training, positive mental health and stress management, disclosure (the role of the Meitheal leader) and team-building activities.
Every school has an in-school coordinator; a teacher who oversees the day to day running of the programme and offers advice and support to the Meitheal team. Meitheal Coordinator Tina Kelly is available to support and help with the implementation of the programme.
The Meitheal Programme is operated by Wexford Local Development as part of their Education programme.
Schools which received certificates were: CBS New Ross; Coláiste Eamon Rís, Wexford; Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, New Ross; St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross; Loreto Wexford; Presentation Wexford; St Peter’s College, Wexford; Coliste Bríde, Enniscorthy, FCJ Bunclody; St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy; Coláiste Bhride, Carnew; Meánscoil Gharman, Enniscorthy, Creagh College, Gorey; Kennedy College, New Ross; Ramsgrange Community School; Bridgetown College; Selskar College, Wexford; Coláiste Abbáin, Adamstown; Enniscorthy Vocational College; Bunclody Vocational College; Gorey Community School; and Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge.