This article is from page 33 of the 2008-05-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
THE increasing level of interest in an after-school project in Newmar- ket-on-Fergus is leading to its expan- sion.
The project was set up by Obair in 1999 and is open to primary school- going children in the Newmarket-on- Fergus area.
Currently, 20 children from first to sixth class attend and there is a wait- ing list for spaces.
Those who attend are given assist- ance with their homework, while they also get the opportunity to do arts and crafts, computer games and physical activities. The children are also brought on various trips, while summer camps are organised every
year.
Kirsty Horner took over the run- ning of the scheme last year. She ex- plained who the club is open to.
“Our target groups would be the disadvantaged, but it is open to eve- ryone,’ said Ms Horner.
“We have homework support, which is why it was set up. Some of the chil- dren would be struggling with their homework,’ she pointed out.
The project runs for 48 weeks of the year from Monday to Friday. It has gone from strength to strength since its inception and the co-ordinators are optimistic that it will continue to make good progress.
“We just got funding for an ex- tension to the building, so we can have two rooms specifically for the
project,” said Ms Horner.
Currently the group meets in a room at Obair, but this room also holds other meetings. Given the in- creasing numbers of children attend- ing the project specific space is nec- essary for them.
“We will have more space. Our numbers have increased and we have a waiting list,’ added Ms Horner.
“The parents think it is a great Service and the children love it,” she added.
While Ms Horner co-ordinates the project, she is seeking volunteers to help her in the week-to-week running Omi
The project is one of three groups in the Shannon/Newmarket region nominated by AIB bank to win a
Better Ireland award. The prize up for grabs is €10,000 and winners will be chosen from a text message based competition.
To vote for the after-school project, text SHANNON A to 53099. The project which receives the most texts wins the €10,000 prize.
The project has also been shortlist- ed for Clare County Council’s Pride of Place competition, which honours groups which have contributed to their local community. The results of this competition will be announced CLUN@uercametemcibbeeneetosm