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Monday, 21st April 2008

Pupils put through their paces in Aberdovey

Launched in April 2006, Wakefield District Housing’s Community Leadership Programme was established to help create confident, sustainable communities through unlocking the potential of almost 1,000 of the district’s young people over five years.

WDH got together with the Outward Bound Trust to put together a programme that would help young people become better equipped to choose their pathway to employment and make a real difference to the communities that they live in.

Participants take part in outdoor activities across the UK and are put through their paces with mental and physical activities that are designed to test and develop.

Ten pupils from the eighteen high schools in Wakefield attended a team building day at Thornes Park in November with Outward Bound. They then went on to take part in a 3 day Outward Bound residential at Ullswater in December. Six pupils from each high school were then selected to continue with the programme and go to Aberdovey in Wales for a 5 day residential.

We would like to congratulate the six pupils who completed the Community Leadership Programme from Beckets. These were Holly Lloyd, Lizzie Hartley, Airren Kear, Daniel Watkin, Daniel Stones and Tanya Power. Probably the most challenging part of the residential was their overnight expedition. They had to carry all the equipment they would need for an overnight camp and walk to where they were camping. They then had to put their tents up, cook their own food and walk back the next day. We are very proud of our pupils as they all completed this, despite finding it hard. As well as the expedition, pupils were also involved in team-building activities, water sports and climbing. At the end of the week, each group had to present to the other groups about what they had learned during the week and the Community Leadership Programme overall.

The pupils had an amazing experience which we would like to thank WDH for providing them with. I hope the pupils involved will go on to use the skills they have learnt during the rest of their school lives and in their future careers. They should be very proud of all they have achieved!! Well done!!