DEDICATED volunteers at a secondary school near Rugby have been praised for their work to support the community.
Over the last 12 months, nearly 200 Princethorpe College pupils between Year 9 and the Upper Sixth Form have spent over 5,317 hours volunteering as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities.
According to calculations by the Award team, the social value of these hours equates to over £40,000.
In recognition of their achievements, the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards team presented the College with a certificate, commenting: “We are immensely proud of the dedication, effort and achievement of young people making an impact in their community.”
Pupils have worked in charity shops and libraries, taken part in conservation projects and wildlife surveys, helped to look after and restore heritage sites, supported community services, supported young people through the Scout Association UK, coached junior sports teams.
Assistant Head Cocurricular, Neil McCollin, said, “Volunteering is often the most rewarding and uplifting part of a young person’s DofE Award, encouraging young people to put others first.
“Our DofE volunteers have shown themselves to be outstanding ambassadors for the College, and we applaud them for the difference they make to their communities every day.
“Through their volunteering, pupils have lived the Princethorpe College ‘Spirit of Family’ ethos demonstrating our school values to ‘be kind’ and ‘do your best’.
“We are tremendously proud of the positive impact our pupils make. Their commitment and dedication reminding us that small acts of service, carried out with integrity, compassion and kindness, can have a lasting impact on the lives of others.”
Volunteering is a vital part of the DofE programme alongside the skill, physical and expedition
sections, and is a required element for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. It allows pupils to broaden their horizons and develop their skills, while providing a positive contribution supporting and helping others in their local community.
