Arklow Youthreach; in Response to Covid-19!

What a strange time! What a strange year! Students and staff were excited to get back into the AFETC over the past couple of months. Sincere thanks to the students who have had a challenging year, yet come to the centre with a smile on their faces (at least behind their masks). So many of them have expressed their gratitude about being back in the centre.

For the staff team, each and every one of them have gone far beyond what is expected to provide a top quality service. I want to thank them all for their dedication, perseverance and perhaps more importantly, their sense of humour which were all needed over the past year.

There have been changes to the Youthreach programme due to Covid:

-Pods have been formed to allow two metre distance

-Masks have become obligatory on entering the building.

-The Art Room has migrated to the top floor to allow more space for students. A special thank you to the members of the AFETC Management Committee for agreeing to this.

The following are some highlights over the past two weeks:

-Students completed their Maths and Technical Drawing exams

-The last of the fitness assessments were completed. Thanks to Graham and The Marshlands for facilitating us over the past year.

-Art pieces are being completed at a ferocious pace. Some students are allowing the centre to keep their drawings in order for them to hung up in the centre.

-Between periscopes, pieces of custom made furniture and bohemian toilet roll holders, the projects in woodwork have allowed the students to display their own sense of individuality.

Up and coming activities:

-Students are going on work placement during the month of June.

-The finishing students have staff members of the KWETB OEC coming to Arklow on the 9th of June to facilitate sessions on kayaking.

-Exit interviews will take place this week.

-A Summer BBQ is being organised by the students as part of a QQI module. Tracking of the weather forecast is at the forefront of the team currently.