Co. Wexford Meitheal Alliance

What is Meitheal?

The Meitheal Programme in Co. Wexford is a training programme for students at senior level in secondary schools. In this programme the students are trained to become mentors for incoming students at junior level. It is a programme based on pro-respect between students and one that enables students to take responsibility for the happiness of others and for the safety and well-being of all who share a school environment.

The programme is advertised among senior students who are invited to become Meitheal Leaders in their respective schools. All applicants are interviewed and a selection is then made. The students who are chosen to become Meitheal Leaders undergo a training programme in the summer prior to their return to school the following September. This training programme covers the areas of:-

• personal development
• identity
• self-esteem
• communication skills
• listening skills
• assertiveness skills
• group dynamics
• group management

and many other skills that are necessary for the students to develop if the programme is to be successful.

After their training the students return to their respective schools as sixth years and each is given responsibility for a number of incoming first years. It is then the task of the Meitheal Leaders to ensure the smooth transition of these young people into the school and to be able and available to assist them in any way necessary during their first few days in school.

After this initial work it is then expected that the Meitheal Leaders will work with the junior students, developing a relationship of trust and mutual respect.

The hope for the remainder of their first year is that if the junior student should experience difficulties or anxieties of any kind that they can turn to their Meitheal Leaders and find in them understanding, respect, advice and assistance.

The programme has proven to be effective in promoting the happiness of students in general as well as reducing instances of bullying, isolation and early school leaving.

It is vital to the success of the programme that there are teachers in each school who will volunteer to act as overseers of the programme within each school. It will be their function to organise the day to day running of the programme and provide any in-school assistance or back-up that is needed. It is also hoped that the programme co-ordinator will be in a position to offer in-service to these teachers, educating them in the principles and ethos of the programme and offering support and resources to them for the successful organisation of the programme in their respective schools.