Posted: 17/10/16
Friendships and achievements celebrated at graduation
Teamwork, leadership and understanding others’ feelings are just some of the skills that more than 100 teenagers have developed during the summer’s National Citizen Service (NCS) projects.
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NCS brought confidence and new experiences to many youngsters in the East Midlands
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NCS graduates let their hair down at their special event
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NCS opens many doors for local teenagers
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The events gave people the opportunity to meet again with fellow participants
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The different groups stepped up to the stage to recall their time on the project
Two glittering ceremonies were held at Center Parcs on Wednesday and Thursday (12 and 13 October) to celebrate their involvement in the NCS scheme this summer, which is designed to support young people in their transition to adulthood through residential projects and community-based fundraising activities.
NCS is a government-backed initiative which provides activities such as residential projects, outdoor physical challenges like orienteering and walking in the Derbyshire Peaks, taking part in sporting games and raising money for charities through group-led activities.
At Wednesday’s ceremony Colin Pettigrew, corporate director from Nottinghamshire County Council, presented the groups with their certificates of achievement, while the Council’s youth services manager Pom Bhogal honoured the youngsters on Thursday evening.
Part of the scheme’s framework asked the groups to engage in volunteering activities and fundraising initiatives for the benefit of the local community.
Supermarket bag packs, sponsored walks, donations of equipment for local scout groups, a sponsored swim and the renovation of a church garden were just a few of the activities which the young people organised.
Project leader for NCS at West Nottinghamshire College, Nigel Oldham, said: “There’s been an immense amount of creative ideas this summer from all our NCS groups. Their initiative in devising fundraising and volunteering ideas has been simply outstanding.
“Lifelong friendships have been forged and long-lasting skills have been made throughout the project and it humbles me to be able to celebrate every individual’s success.”
