Pupils from two Surrey Heath schools will be the first to receive Rotary’s new Junior Community Awards on 18 June.
The 17 pupils will receive their awards from the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Michael More-Molyneux at a ceremony also attended by the Deputy Mayor of Surrey Heath Cllr Cliff Betton in the council chamber.
The youngsters, pupils from Cordwalles School and St Augustine’s School, are 11 years old. They have successfully completed the year-long community engagement programme and are now preparing to move on to senior school.
The purpose of the award is to give young people at the beginning of their adolescence the opportunity to involve themselves in a positive way in their community, acquiring new skills and abilities to benefit both themselves and others around them.
With guidance from their schools, the children took part in local community activities, embraced new physical challenges, explored new social experiences, and developed valuable life skills.
Deputy Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Cliff Betton said: “It’s a real pleasure to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable young people.
“The Junior Community Award Scheme gives children a chance to connect with their community, grow in confidence, and gain life skills that will stay with them for years to come.
“I’m proud that Surrey Heath is playing an active role in this inspiring initiative, and I commend all the pupils, schools, and Rotary members involved in making it such a success.”
The year-long award is non-competitive and open to all. Teachers can encourage pupils who will most benefit from the programme to take part, which can include children with additional needs and disabilities. Each child has their own Award Diary to record their experiences.
“We have been delighted with the feedback about the Award from both teachers, pupils and parents,” commented Anne Summers of the Rotary Club of Camberley.
“This year has been the pilot for the scheme which we are now rolling out across our Rotary South’s District, and we are indebted to both schools for the level of co-operation and enthusiasm for the scheme.”
Parent Laura Goss said: “My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her journey completing this project, acquiring new life skills.
“I really hope it’s well received and is rolled out across the UK, as it’s been something many people have been surprised, intrigued, interested and impressed by.
“We are grateful that our daughter has been given this wonderful opportunity.”
The programme is already being taken up by 20 more schools across the south for the coming year.
Find out more about the Rotary Junior Award