What is ALIVE?
The ALIVE Programme - A Learning Initiative and the Volunteering Experience - was established in 2003 by NUI Galway to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution that its students make by volunteering. The programme draws on a strong tradition of student engagement both on and off campus and assists students who wish to actively volunteer while developing tangible and transferable skills alongside practical volunteering experiences.
Over 120 non-governmental organisations support the programme and enable the student volunteers to act as bridge-builders between the University and civil society. The volunteering programme also encourages NUI Galway staff to use the online volunteer opportunity database.
ALIVE is run by the University's Community Knowledge Initiative, and is the first ever student volunteer programme to be embedded within an institution of higher education in Ireland. This pioneering programme serves as a national model which other institutions look to for advice and support in terms of developing similar opportunities.
Led by a Student Volunteer Coordinator, the ALIVE Programme at NUI Galway seeks to support and recognise student volunteering through an integrated programme with four main elements:
- Volunteer opportunity matching service
The online volunteering opportunities database allows community organisations to post opportunities directly and students to browse easily through them.
- Training Workshops
Training is specially designed for student volunteers in preparation for volunteer work to enhance skills related to personal, interpersonal & professional development and civic awareness.
- Peer Support
Volunteer reflection sessions celebrate students' achievements and allows an insight into other volunteering opportunities.
- ALIVE Certificate
Students complete a reflective record of their volunteering experience at the end of the academic year to qualify for an ALIVE Certificate. Over 1200 students have been awarded the ALIVE certificate which acknowledges their contribution to volunteering and is awarded in a special annual ceremony.
Pictured is Dannie Hanna from Ennis, Co. Clare. Dannie was one of 500 students to receive a certificate at an NUI Galway awards ceremony marking the achievements of students who volunteered within NUI Galway, the Galway community, and with national and international non-governmental organisations through the ALIVE programme.
Dannie, a second year Law student, was as a mentor to first-year University students and also volunteered with the Mercy Secondary School Homework Club. In addition, he helped organise a 'Socs in the City' fashion show which raised over EUR10,000 for Cancer Care West.
“Life is full of opportunities, some we seize some we don't. Volunteering is an enjoyable and worthwhile opportunity to be seized, providing essential assistance and support to those you help, affording you a much fulfilled and integrated life within your community”.
Joanne Murphy, Enable Ireland.
“When you give your time and enthusiasm you get the gifts of friendship, learning and belonging in return.”
Riona Hughes Societies Officer, NUI Galway.