An umbrella organisation for charities has stepped in to help the Isle of Man Children’s University.
Connect2Charity has got involved after the government’s {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/children-s-university-scheme-is-scrapped-1-7637062|announcement} that it would have to wind down its involvement in the scheme due to budgetary pressures.
The final graduation ceremony under the auspices of the Department of Education and Children has taken place, but children in the Isle of Man can still take advantage of the Passport to Learning that the Children’s University offers.
Children’s University Trust chief executive Helen O’Donnell said: ‘We are delighted that Connect2Charity has become involved with the Isle of Man Children’s University.
‘The whole aim of the Children’s University concept is to improve the lives of children.’
The Children’s University offers five- to 14-year-olds the chance to take part in a range of activities that are available outside the normal school day.
Some happen in schools, others in other venues.
Pupils buy a passport and get learning stamps by visiting validated ‘learning destinations’, both in the Isle of Man and in other areas in which a Children’s University operates.
After building up stamps, children are invited to a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievement.
The aim is to raise aspiration, boost achievement and foster a love of learning.
An important principle of the Children’s University is that participation is voluntary and it is intentionally something other than school – with a different feel, different activities and often taking part in a different location.
There are more than 90 registered Children’s University centres, stretching around the world, meaning that children in the Isle of Man will be connected to an international network.
New Isle of Man operator Connect2Charity runs the island’s largest register of charities and operates the Family Library and the Mobile Family Library. It is also a primary sponsor of the Isle of Man Flower Festival.
Kurt Roosen, chairman of Connect2Charity, said: ‘This is a very exciting time for everyone involved in the Isle of Man Children’s University.
‘At the recent graduation ceremony, I was approached by parents and children who expressed their delight that the scheme would continue.
‘We are now looking forward to examining how we can expand upon the services on offer at the Isle of Man Children’s University.’
He added: ‘This is a great opportunity for businesses, cultural organisations and the operators of sports clubs and leisure facilities to team up and help our children to achieve their potential with independent learning.
‘By mixing with different people and learning in a variety of environments, children have a chance to develop their confidence and increase their social skills. The aim is to enrich their lives.’
Work has already begun to take advantage of the skills in the Manx ICT Association’s Code Club to replace paper passports with virtual backpacks and merit badges in the UK.
The Isle of Man Children’s University {http://iomcu.im/|website} has been relaunched and includes all the latest news and events, including a map of the learning destinations available in the Isle of Man. There are also details of how to get involved.