Our Young #weegieheroes Take On The Duke Of Edinburgh Awards!

This summer, we’re celebrating Young Glasgow Talent’s Weegie Heroes. Our heroes – young people, mentors, partners and supporters – all have phenomenally inspiring stories! We’re looking forward to sharing many over the next few weeks!

Our young people are overcoming adversity to excel in ways they never thought possible. As well as working with their YGT mentor and taking part in Talent Tasters, many embark on other opportunities available to them while at school.

Supporting every YGT young person, such as the phenomenal young people you’ll be reading about below, is a totally dedicated mentor. They listen to what their young person has to say, and guides them as the young person works hard for their better future. So many Glaswegians volunteer their time to help our very capable young people. Ensuring they have the same educational outcomes, career opportunities and life chances as every other young person. Can you be a hero? Will you join us?

As the world’s leading youth achievement award, the Duke of Edinburgh offers youngsters unique opportunities to learn new skills and develop talents. The DofE award is valued by employers and universities and is described as a “passport to a brighter future”. A perfect alignment with YGT’s goals and values, as we aspire to improve young people’s confidence and educational outcomes. It helps enable young people from all backgrounds gain valuable life skills. From fundraising for charity, taking part in expeditions, to improving personal development.

S3 and S4 pupils from three YGT schools took part in one of the latest DofE expeditions. Their own commitment, determination and hard work ensured they achieved their prestigious DofE accolade!

YGT Pathways Co-ordinator and Weegie Hero Emma told us just how much hard work the young people put into achieving their award: “When people say Duke of Edinburgh Award, everyone thinks of camping. However, as our YGT young people found out it’s actually a lot more than that!”

“Before they even got near a tent they had to complete three different elements. To pass, you must learn a new skill over 3 months, take part in a volunteering activity for 6 months and get involved in a physical activity for 3 months!”

A huge show of commitment from our young people. One group even managed to raise £400 for Barnardos as part of their pre-expedition work! A fantastic contribution to their local community. As well as an amazing display of teamwork.

Months of work are followed by significant preparation for the expedition. Including map reading, country code and packing. First the young people attended a practice expedition where they’re allowed a little bit of help from the leaders. Then the crucial and final assessment expedition. YGT young people had to get themselves from the drop off point to the campsite using their maps and carrying all their kit without any help. They had to pitch their own tents and make their own meals using stoves. They also created and completed a project aim, one group chose to take mascots with them – which they photographed throughout the journey. These inspired images were pulled together and the YGT young people made their very own children’s story called The Amazing Adventure of the Duke and Little Eddie.

Have a look at their fantastic trip here:

I Will Survive!

 

The Duke and Little Eddie Packed their massive rucksacks with all they need to survive on their epic expedition to Arrochar

 

The Great Walk Begins!

 

The Duke and Little Eddie Packed their massive rucksacks with all they need to survive on their epic expedition to Arrochar

 

The Long and Winding Road

 

The Duke and Little Eddie made their way along the great walk. The sun was blasting down on them, their heavy bags weighing them down, but still with great might they pushed themselves forward.

 

Is it a Mirage?

 

After hours of walking in the blistering sun, The Duke and Little Eddie ran out of water. They began to panic, however they couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw a beautiful flowing scottish stream, they jumped in and filled their water bottles to the top!!

 

What a Glorious View

 

Feeling excited to part of a big group The Duke and Little Eddie felt relaxed and really started to enjoy themselves , this let them take the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery. As The Duke and Little Eddie are only small, one of their new found friends even lifted them up to get a better view.

 

Sharing’s Caring

 

The new friends that The Duke and Little Eddie have made have been really helpful and generous. They even shared their water with The Duke and Little Eddie.

 

Camp Rock!!

 

Now that the now massive group have arrived at camp, they helped each other put up tents before they had a feast together and shared stories.

 

Homeward Bound!

 

The next morning The Duke and Little Eddie with their massive group of friends set off on the extraordinary walk home with a spring in their step. They saw some beautiful sights, had some lovely food and met some amazing people. The Expedition taught The Duke and Little Eddie the importance of teamwork and how great it feels to be a part of a strong and supportive team.

 

We have many more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. Young people, such as those that took part in this expedition. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. They need support and motivation to pursue their ambitions and take on such new experiences. Can you help them? You’ll guide disadvantaged, but utterly deserving young people through their education. Find out more about BECOMING A MENTOR.

Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners such as Glasgow Life and The Herald, simply GET INVOLVED! We can’t wait to welcome you aboard as we change the life chances of our city’s most disadvantaged.

We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!

Share This Post