It's been quite a while!

It's been quite a time since we've shared a blog post, it's been a really busy term with lots of great stuff going on! As we move into the last term of the year, we thought it would be a great time to share a little bit from one of our wonderful interns Lorna. Lorna has been with us since September, after taking a year out from college.

She has been such a great support to us, and the kids just love her!

If you are interested in pursuing an internship with Solas Project, drop Elizabeth an email!

In her own words, here's an insight into Lornas time at Solas Project:

Starting Solas Project, I had absolutely no idea what to expect, apart from what Emily, the volunteer manager, had told me during my induction interview.

I began with a completely open mind. I will always remember my first day at Solas Project, walking into an office full of smiling office staff members and interns who were more than happy to have me on board for the next year, and I knew everything was going to be alright, my nerves were soon a thing of the past and I was thrown straight in, making a chicken curry for the kids dinner in the kitchen.

I have had a great experience so far and the reason my journey with Solas Project has been so fabulous so far is simply because of the staff, and the children I work with. I love being an intern with Solas Project as you never know what to expect every morning when you walk into the offices, you could be doing anything from carrying benches up the road to local primary schools or blowing up balloons, planning some fabulous activities for the kids or putting your culinary skills to use in the kitchen, working on your tag rugby skills with Ste in local primary schools or preparing for the day ahead at club.

Every afternoon brings something new also, our afternoons at club are packed with fun things for the kids, and of course the homework. I have been fortunate to work as an intern with both Junior and Senior Afterschools club and I enjoy every minute of it, every day brings its own challenges and amazing, unforgettable moments – each child that I have had the opportunity to work with has their own unique personality and traits, and that is what makes them special to me, and I have enjoyed creating such a strong bond with them.

Solas Project is of a huge benefit to each child’s life, from working here over the past 7 months I have seen so many children that I work with grow in confidence – helping the children to become the best that they can be is what we strive to do and I feel like the children hugely appreciate us for this, even though they may not show it.

What I have learned over the past few months at Solas Project are things that I will use in my future life as a primary school teacher, it has been an invaluable experience and I have made memories with both the staff and the children that I will never forget.

I would hugely recommend interning or volunteering with Solas Project as it is an invaluable experience, as it is a place full of joy, laughter, and all things great in life.  Solas Project has done nothing but inspire and encourage me, whilst also challenging me in a lot of different ways.

I will finish by leaving the following quote, which I feel personally is my experience with Solas Project. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Thanks for reading, Lorna x

It's not all hardwork, Lorna (pictured on the right with Sean & Andrew two other interns) still gets time for some modelling work in Dublin 8!