This article is from page 30 of the 2007-06-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 30 JPG
STRESSED out exam students in Shannon have had the opportunity to relax in a friendly environment over the past few weeks, in their very own café!
The Kick Back café opened in Feb- ruary, specifically geared towards those between the ages of 16 and 21. It has been a hive of activity during weekends, over the past few months.
Students sitting the Junior and Leaving Certificates this year have taken the opportunity to reflect on their various exams, in the café.
Exam students mingled with volun- teers and other non-exam students, in a friendly and relaxed environment.
The café is run by Shannon Youth Office and the organisers were very happy with its success.
Shannon Youth Worker Cathal Dil- lon said the café has been running very well.
“We had an average of 18 people attending, which is good, and they seemed to really like having the chance to unwind with their pals af- ter the exams were over,” said Cathal DIU eye
All of those who attended the café over the past few weeks paid glowing tributes.
‘This cafe 1s just what we need, a place to chill and relax after the ex- ams, it’s so cool,” said Junior Cert student Hayley.
Another Junior Cert student, Si- mon, pointed out that the refresh- ments were particularly nice!
“IT love the cafe as its really relax- ing, I love the hot chocolate especial- ly,” he said.
His classmate Estelle said, ““The cafe is a fun place to hang with friends, its a place where teens can relax, its great.”
“I love coming here, the youth information boards here are very helpful,’ said another exam student, Lindsay.
Aine, who a fourth year student and a volunteer at the café, was delighted with her chance to help out.
“LT enjoy working at the exam cafe! I get on great with the customers and I
think its a relaxing place for students to come after exams. I hope it will still be around when I’m doing my leaving,” she said.
Grainne, who was a volunteer with the group over the past few weeks, enjoyed her role.
“Volunteering in the cafe was a great experience, and I will definitely do it again. I thinks it’s great for the exam students to have such an outlet to unwind after important exams and relieve the pressure,” she said.