Bringing the honours home to Herts
02/03/2010
Twelve young people from Hertfordshire were honoured at a graduation event in Hertfordshire last Sunday. This followed on from a national event at which they were recognised along with hundreds of other talented young volunteers who received the Prime Minister’s Award for National Civic Service.
The photograph shows: left to right back row Priya, Andrew Simmons of Youth Connexions, Jade, Leila Borgia of Youth Connexions, Garry, Danyell, Carly, Rebecca Birch of Youth Connexions, Councillor Jane Pitman, Stuart Sapsford of Youth Connexions, Front Row: Ashley, Lee, Phillip, Josh
All had participated over the past year in the vtalentyear scheme which entails volunteering to work with children and young people in a range of places from nurseries and youth centres to youth crime prevention teams, asylum seeker support and substance misuse teams. The volunteers, aged between 16 and 25, all contributed around 30 hours a week for 44 weeks. The experience gave the young people the opportunity to develop a range of skills that will enhance their CVs and increase their chances of employment.
The Hertfordshire vtalentyear Graduation Award Ceremony took place on Sunday 28th February at the Terrace Suite, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City. Andrew Simmons, Deputy Director of Services for Young People and Jane Pitman, Executive Member for Children’s Services were guests of honour, and invitees included Youth Connexions staff and the volunteers’ family and friends.
The event itself provided a further learning experience, as the vtalentyear volunteers raised funds through the Big Spend scheme to support the evening and they also helped to organise the whole event. One of the volunteers, Joshua, produced a highly professional film showing the volunteers at work and on training residentials, receiving great applause from the audience.
Councillor Jane Pitman spoke highly of the young volunteers and presented them with their certificates of the Prime Ministers Award for National Civic Service. This award recognises the time, commitment and dedication the volunteers have shown to the community through the vtalentyear programme.
Josh (left) introducing Street Dancer Glynn who wants to join vtalentyear next year
During the evening, entertainment was provided by a young person wishing to join the programme next year: Glynn performed a brilliant, energetic street dance. The celebrations rounded off with a disco.
Leila Borgia
Leila Borgia, Youth Connexions Project Development Manager commented “We are very proud of all our graduates, and grateful for all the hard work they have put in not only on their placements but also supporting Youth Connexions with other events.”
The Hertfordshire award winners are:
Douglas who lives in Bishop’s Stortford
Philip, Ashley and Carly from Hatfield
Jade and Garryof Hemel Hempstead
Danielle from Hitchin
Danyell who lives in Hoddesdon
Liam and Lee from Stevenage
Priya from Watford
Joshua of Welwyn Garden City