Hundreds of selfless Essex teenagers have been recognised after giving back to their communities as part of a programme geared at equipping them for future life.
Almost 700 young people took part in the four-week National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, run by Essex County Council’s Youth Service, during the summer.
The 16 and 17-year-olds were split into 51 groups and enjoyed a week away on residential visits before returning to plan, prepare and deliver projects to benefit their local communities.
In total they raised more than £10,000 to donate to charities and invest in their projects, and gave up more than 20,000 hours of time.
Among the organisations which benefited were care homes, schools, food banks and youth centres.
Last Saturday their efforts were rewarded when they formally graduated from the programme during a ceremony at the University of Essex.
Ray Gooding, county councillor for education and lifelong learning, said: “This is an excellent programme that teaches young people important life skills and encourages them to make a real difference to their communities.
“I am very proud of the hard work of these particular groups and was delighted to be able to present them with certificates in recognition of their efforts.”
Among those who took part in the scheme were 262 people in 20 groups from the Colchester borough, 169 teenagers in 13 groups from Tendring and 117 people in nine groups in Braintree.
The programme is a national scheme giving young people the chance to learn important life skills and preparing them for work. It provides year 11 and 12 students and 15-17-year-olds not in education to make a positive impact in their communities.
For more information, visit the NCS web site.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here