Step Up case study - reading together and steps to success -heart warming to see young people develop and grow

Last year, I was fortunate enough to have been a mentor on both the Reading Together and Steps to Success Programmes offered by Queen’s University.

As a mentor, it was heart-warming to see the young people involved develop and grow in confidence over the twelve weeks. Initially, the young people were slightly nervous and sceptical about the Programme; however, by the end, they were brimming with energy and excitement. The sessions not only help to develop reading skills amongst young people (as well as speaking and listening skills), whilst also helping to prepare those making the transition to secondary school, but equip the young people with the required technical skills to navigate an increasingly technological world. Indeed, both the young people and their carers alike tackle and embrace the challenges posed by technology.

Being a Mentor on the programme has further enhanced my own skills. It has provided me the opportunity to work with young people (all from very varied backgrounds), to develop my own online skills, and to become acquainted with key safeguarding legislation and practices.

“Whilst there were many highlights throughout my time as a Mentor, I think the biggest highlight is the Graduation event, held at the end of the programme. Not only did I, along with all the other mentors, get to meet the young people (and their carers) in person for the first time, but it also helps to demonstrate to these young people that Queen’s- and university in general- is well within their grasp. It helps to inspire the young people, and simultaneously enrich the Queen’s community of students, by encouraging those who may not traditionally attend university to apply in the future”