Ten young people celebrate achievements
19/04/2010
Ten Bushey teenagers got on their motor cross bikes and revved up for a range of challenges.
Prashant receiving his certificate from Margareth Case-Toussaint of Youth Connexions.
Not only did they learn about safe motor bike riding, but the Bushey Wheels Youth Project also developed their confidence, teamwork skills and self discipline.
Bushey Wheels is run by Youth Connexions Hertfordshire’s Hertsmere Youth Work team. The project has proved such a success that it has won national recognition for its excellent work.
And there was a double celebration at a recent presentation evening at Falconer School when the Bushey teenagers were awarded certificates for completing the UK Youth - On Two Wheels Course. Three project team members - Dan Melling, Jeremy MacFarland and Joe Phillips - also received certificates for completing the Pro-Action ‘Youth Work Training for Young People’ course. They are all former participants of the Bushey Wheels project and now help run the course as volunteers.
The ten week course teaches road safety essentials and includes visits from the police and St John’s Ambulance. As well as riding the 100cc bikes, the young people also learn the discipline that goes with responsible ownership, and have to wash down, oil and check them.
“During the course the young people learn so much more than just about motorbikes,” said Youth Connexions Youth Work Team Leader Steve Emmerson who runs the project.
“We look at their attitudes, how they relate to one another, working together as a team, and the impact their behaviour has on others. Skills which they can use throughout their lives.”
At the end of the course, the young people send off the portfolio that they have produced to UK Youth, which promotes innovative, non-formal education programmes for young people and issues accreditation certificates.
“It’s so rewarding to see how they have changed,” said Steve. “And we also love the feedback we get from parents, who often tell us they have noticed a real change in their son or daughter.”
Bushey Wheels accepts around 6 or 8 young people on each 10 week course; the age range is mostly 14-16. To find out more, contact Steve Emmerson on 01442 454073.