Emma Reynolds (left), Student Placement Story
As her final year university placement, Emma chose volunteering at Conway Education Centre’s Homework Club to help newcomer children, who experienced gaps in education, with their homework. She has been supporting the project since September 2025 and has gained valuable experience for her future career in education.
Now on the final year of her Liberal Arts with Irish degree at St Mary’s University College Belfast, Emma chose to complete her placement here, at Conway, because of her passion for education, community development and supporting young people.
By volunteering each week, Emma has seen first-hand how a supportive learning environment can help children grow academically and personally.
For Emma, the decision to complete her placement at Conway was closely connected to her future goals.
“As I am going on to complete a Primary PGCE, I have always been passionate about the role education plays in shaping confidence, opportunity and equality.”
She also emphasises the importance of hands-on experience in a community learning environment where refugee children are supported not just with schoolwork, but also with their confidence and wellbeing.
“I chose Conway Education because of my interest in education, community development and supporting young people. I wanted to gain experience in a setting that supports children’s academic development as well as their personal, social and emotional needs.”
At Conway Education Centre, volunteers play an important role in helping newcomer children with their learning after school.
One of the highlights of Emma’s placement has been supporting the phonics programme, helping younger learners develop reading skills in a fun and engaging way.
“My favourite part of the placement is assisting in the teaching of the phonics programme,” Emma says. “I enjoy helping plan creative activities and seeing the students enthusiastic about learning new material.”
Seeing the young people succeed is the greatest reward as Emma puts it, “Watching their confidence grow is the most rewarding part of this role.”
Emma says the experience has also helped shape how she thinks about teaching and the kind of classroom she hopes to create in the future.
“This experience has given me an insight into how I can create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all, and the importance of this in my future classroom.”
Being part of a community-based learning centre has also shown her how much of a difference these spaces can make to families.
“Witnessing the impact that community-based learning centres like Conway Education can have on young people and their families has been a highlight of my experience.”
Conway Education Centre is proud to work in partnership with St Mary’s University College Belfast, welcoming placement students who bring enthusiasm, new ideas and valuable support to programmes like Homework Club.
Students like Emma help create a positive learning environment where children feel encouraged, supported and confident to ask questions.
Their time and commitment make a real difference to the newcomer students who attend each week.
If Emma’s story has inspired you to learn more about volunteering or student placements with Conway Education Centre, we’d love to hear from you.
Opportunities like Homework Club allow volunteers to support newcomer children while gaining valuable experience in education and community work.
Get in touch (info@conwayeducation.org) to find out more about volunteering or placement opportunities at Conway Education Centre.