Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton has celebrated the success of the first Cornish pilot of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, handing over certificates of achievement to young people from across Cornwall who are taking part.
The NCS Programme, announced by David Cameron in July 2010, is intended to bring together youngsters from different backgrounds; helping them to develop team working and leadership skills and explore the concept of civic responsibility.
The South West was chosen as a pilot area for the programme, which is led in Cornwall by Truro based Young People Cornwall and Groundwork.
The first Cornish youngsters to participate in the NCS programme have now completed the two-week residential element including a week at The Bishops Forum near Penryn as well as a week of working in the community on a project in Illogan.
Sarah Newton welcomed the success of the first pilot, commenting:
“I was delighted to be able to spend time with the trailblazing 16 year olds who are taking part in this new programme. Without exception they told me that they have found the experience to be invaluable, very hard work and for some the first time away from home. They have been inspired and challenged by their great youth workers led by Nic and Kate from Young People Cornwall. Having listened to volunteers from local organisations, some of the youngsters have committed to regular volunteering with for example the RNLI.
“ As a mum of teenagers, I know young people have so much potential to change their communities for the better. The NCS programme will harness this potential, and enable all Cornish youngsters, not just those whose families support them, to have this great opportunity.
The second group of youngsters will join the pilot in August. I am looking forward to discussing the results of the pilot with Young People Cornwall and taking their experience back to Parliament where we will be debating how best to deliver a nationwide programme for all 16 year olds. Certainly the youngsters I met said it should be ‘compulsory’ for all 16 year olds. Not a bad endorsement for the programme!”