The Access Centre runs the Uni 4 U programme in primary schools in Galway city to create positive experiences through various interactions with the student and the university. Participants come from the senior classes.
'Uni 4 U' activities begins in 4th class and continues in 5th and 6th class. On one afternoon each week over the spring term pupils are given extra help and guidance by University of Galway students, who act as mentors to the pupils for the duration of the programme. After homework is complete, the pupils are rewarded with an hour of exciting sports and fun team building games at Áras na MacLéinn. The school children participate in popular activities such as soccer and basketball but also learn new sports such as uni-hockey, climbing on the climbing wall, Hip-hop, spinning and juggling. Galway United players and Galway GAA players come along to some of the sessions to support the children's endeavours.
The specific aims of the programme is to help students develop personally by building their self esteem, confidence, communication skills and social behaviour through team games and sport activities in addition to their educational attainment, especially improvement in numeric and literacy skills.
