THERE WAS great excitement in the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross recently when former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan, presented 244 Meitheal Leaders with Certificates of Achievement.

Meitheal is a mentoring programme which has been in place in Co. Wexford post-primary schools for 12 years.

The aim of the initiative is to help First Year students adapt to life in their new school and the Meitheal Leaders provide them with invaluable support during the transition from primary to secondary education.

However, in addition to providing a warm welcome to new students the Meitheal Leaders also provide ongoing support to the pupils during their initial year in secondary school. They give practical advice and help in addition to being a friend.

As part of the Meitheal programme leaders attend a two-day residential programme during their summer break during which they participate in various workshops. A wide range of topics are covered including areas such as Communication Skills and Active Listening, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Awareness Training, Positive Mental Health and Stress Management, Disclosure (Role of the Meitheal Leader) and Team-building Activities.

At the presentation ceremony Mr. Lonergan highlighted the fact the Meitheal programme, and in particular its leaders, provide a very important service to the schools. While one of the main issues the programme addresses is bullying students often confide in their leaders with regard to a range of serious issues.