Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is urging more businesses based in the Limerick and Clare region to be involved in delivering its various education programmes. These programmes are guaranteed to be both a worthwhile employee engagement experience, enable the company to forge closer links with the local community and help tackle educational disadvantage.
Through its network of regional co-ordinators, BITCI pairs and supports company’s volunteers to deliver education programmes with local DEIS schools. BITCI offer six education programmes – 2 operating within the primary school system aimed at improving literacy and numeracy among 2nd and 3rd class pupils. While the post primary programmes involve mentorship, workplace visits, sharing career insights and advice and work placements. All programmes are designed to provide pupils with an improved understanding of the world of work, raise their own career expectations, create a level playing field and increase their self-confidence.
Andrea Lazenby Simpson, BITCI Head of Education said “Already we run these programmes with a number of local businesses (large and small in size) but now the number of schools keen to participate has increased rapidly. We’d like to respond to this demand and ensure more pupils benefit from these programmes but need local companies to join us. So far all feedback from all involved have been really positive so it is a win win experience for all.”
For the company it is an opportunity to back to their local communities, developing future talent and increasing awareness of the workplace. For the school, it leads to improved attendance and engagement by the pupils involved.
Insights from recent evaluations found:
100% of volunteers found Time to Read a meaningful employee volunteering experience.
“An invaluable programme for students to get involved with companies they may not otherwise get the chance to and a great way to develop their skills outside the classroom.” Principal
“It is an opportunity for me to share the life experiences and lessons I’ve learnt with my mentee to hopefully encourage and steer them in their future career paths.” – Mentor
If your company is interested in getting involved, please check out www.bitc.ie or email alazenbysimpson@bitc.ie
ENDS
For more information please contact June Tinsley, Head of Communications on 086 7733221.
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About Business in the Community Ireland
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is a movement for change in business. Our purpose is to inspire and enable businesses to bring about a sustainable, low carbon economy and an inclusive society where everyone thrives. Our team of expert advisers partner with our 120 member companies to design and deliver across the Economic, Environment, Social and Governance (EESG) dimensions of sustainability. We advise and support companies and engage in collective action to drive change.
BITCI runs a series of education programmes partnering DEIS schools with local businesses aimed at improving literacy and numeracy levels, raising career expectations and tackling educational disadvantage. Within the World of Work programme, over 3,500 students are participating this year. The programme is funded jointly by the partnering company and TESS (Tusla Educational Support Services) and the Department of Education.
Pupils from Benavin College, Dublin doing a site visit at Gas Networks Ireland
Paula Brady volunteering to deliver Time to Count programme to 3rd class pupils
