The document describes an after-school program located in Westmeath, Ireland that serves underprivileged children ages 5-10. It provides activities from 3:30-7pm during the school year such as homework help, arts/crafts, sports and snacks. The program aims to promote creativity and self-expression. The case study then discusses a mask-making art activity done with 10 children as part of the program, including preparing materials, introducing and facilitating the activity, and the positive outcomes for the children.

2. Westmeath Community Development
After School Programme for under
privileged children
 Located in…..
15 children between the ages 5-
10years old
Helped from a staff member

3.  Westmeath Community Development is a
partnership which empowers people and
communities to overcome disadvantages and
enhance the quality of their lives.
 Westmeath Community Development was
formed in 1993 to access funding under the
LEADER II programme in order to carry out a
programme of rural development throughout
County Westmeath.
 In 1996 it also became the Area Based
Partnership for the County and as such
qualified to deliver Local Development Social
Inclusion programmes.

4.  The After-School projects are funded through the
National Childcare Investment Programme,
under the Community Childcare Subvention
Scheme (CCSS),via POBAL and the Dept of
Children and Youth Affairs.
 The After-School services run from the start of
the school year until July, and includes camps at
Halloween, Easter and in July, when the schools
are closed. Services are available 4 hours a day,
Monday-Friday during the school year, and
includes a hot snack, homework supports, art
and cultural activities, sports, fun and games. A
trained primary school teacher is on hand
Monday to Thursday to help with homework.

5. Promote creativity (little art done
with the children)
Create structure in the After-School
Encourage self-expression
Make activity enjoyable
Improve decision making skills
Improve concentration and
communication

6.  Sought permission from the co-ordinator of
the organisation.
 Looked up ideas for my activity looked on
Pinterest and other art websites
 Came up with the idea of using blank masks
where the children were asked to paint their
own mask and decorate it with the materials
supplied.
 Got in contact with the staff at the after
school service and made sure this activity
would be fun for the kids

7. Masks
Paint brushes
Feathers
Stick on Diamonds
Scissors
Glue
Hairdryer
•Stick on moustaches
•Glitter material
•Coloured twine
•Lollipop sticks
•Cello tape

8.  Brought 10 children into the room where the
facilitation was taken place.
 Introduced myself and explained what art
activity I was going to do with them.
 Then I decided to do a little ice-breaker with
the children, which they picked Chinese
whispers.
 We then sat down at the table and I handed
out the materials and paints and the children
started the activity.

9.  A staff member came in to help me as some
of the children needed help with glue or
scissors.
 I had brought a hairdryer so that the paint
would dry quick and the children could
continue with the activity.
 As some of the children were moving on with
sticking their materials on the masks other
children came in.

12. Limitations
 Control- some of the children were very hyper.
 Structure- the children were not used to a structures
activity.
 Resources- had to buy my own materials so I could not
get all the materials I may have wanted.
 Time- only had an hour (did not get enough time to take
photos)

13.  Children enjoyed the activity and had fun
doing it
 Gave structure to the group
 Children felt comfortable with me
 Staff were delighted that I did the activity
and kept the children amused
 The children were creative and designed
their own masks