End of Term for Belevedere English Language Classes

Thanks to Belvedere College SJ for their support of the JRS English Language Programme.

Polly Dolan organised BELL’s weekly one to one classes for asylum seekers and immigrants based on the voluntary teaching given by nearly 60 pupils drawn from Belvedere College Leaving Certificate students, 5th Years and Transition Year  pupils.  Over 90 immigrants from some 30 plus countries attended. With help from Eleanor O’Brien JRS the lessons were given twice-weekly in Georgian Court centre for direct provision and twice weekly in Belvedere College Multi Purpose Room - after  Polly had organised training for the Belvedere volunteer pupils

John King donated his Poetry Prize to buy grammar books.

Some parents, Elizabeth Maloney and Marguerite O’Brien, helped occasionally while Mary O’Malley helped every week in both Georgian Court and Belvedere, working especially with the more academically challenged learners  -  the Parents Association also helped with the buying of Vocabulary and Graded Reader books. Teachers, Michael McGrath and Eoghan Keogh, taught from time to time while Helen Barden kept a close eye on the project.

The welcoming atmosphere was created by Finbarr O’Brien at Reception and the lovely tea, coffee and biscuits supplied by Olive O’Donnell as well as the ideal amenities in the Multi Purpose Room – not forgetting the availability of pens, paper and photocopies when needed

Polly Dolan initiated the new development of Belvedere pupils going into Georgian Court to teach some residents who are unable to go out to classes alone. Parent Mary O’Malley will help JRS continue these classes into the summer holidays.