THE IT Tralee is today launching a national student volunteer database with the help of well known activist and disability campaigner, Joanne O’Riordan.

The Institute of Technology Tralee is one of seven Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) involved in the development of the Campus Engage-led National Student Volunteer Database www.studentvolunteer.ie.

This National database is a bespoke and innovative web-based social media tool to promote, manage, match and measure student volunteering activity in higher education.

It will allow volunteering organisations to upload their volunteer positions, from the comfort of home, and third level students can access these on their phones, iPads and PCs, allowing them to apply directly to the organisations to avail of these positions.

Students will also be enabled to log their volunteering hours and – as is the case in IT Tralee – apply online for the President’s Civic Spirit Award.

ITT President Dr. Oliver Murphy is joined by Joanne O’Riordan, to launch the database in the ITT today.

Last month in Japan she received the Junior Chamber International ‘Outstanding Young Person in the World Award’.

According to ITT lecturer, Edel Randles; “the Institute is committed to implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 which states that ‘Engagement with the wider community must become more firmly embedded in the mission of higher education institutions’. This social media tool will serve to better connect students to the community in which they live, learn and play. Voluntary organisations (sports clubs, advocacy groups etc.) are invited to register on the database, just log onto www.studentvolunter.ie, registration is simple and start uploading your volunteer positions.”