Pupils win praise for DofE volunteering

Youngsters from Cundall Manor have been working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award and providing a helping hand to local organisations by volunteering.

The Year 10 and 11 pupils received a Thank You from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award team in recognition of the hours worked across a variety of sectors.

Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and Director of Outdoor Activities at the school, Stuart Jackson, said: “We are very proud of our Duke of Edinburgh pupils who worked tirelessly supporting a variety of good causes through the year.”

He added: “We appreciate the fantastic work these charities and organisations do for our local area and we are proud to work alongside them to provide some amazing opportunities for our pupils via the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

Pupils volunteered to help support their local Oxfam charity shop, provide valuable support for their local sports teams and even assisted with rangers on the North York Moors National Park.

Mary-Jane Alexander is the Youth Engagement Officer at the National Park. She said: “Volunteering is of great benefit to young people.

“Volunteering with the National Park helps to support young people’s health and wellbeing while developing skills and positive attitudes towards the natural world.

“Young people can gain The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteering or skill section of their award by attending Young Rangers.

“Young people develop aspirations for outdoor environmental employment through volunteering with the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship with the park.”

Business Manager at Cundall Manor School, Paul Swalwell, added: “We are delighted to help support local organisations and charities.

“Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding and memorable way for our pupils to give back to their community and the Duke of Edinburgh Award allows for a structured programme that helps develop our pupils and positively impacts on the local area.”