OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: YOUTH SERVICES 22/23

1.Young Achievers:
These awards go to our primary and special need schools in our area and gives them the opportunity to recognise the achievement of a pupil who has excelled against all odds and made a distinct effort to further his or her own ambitions and contributed to school life. 
The awards have been presented to all our participating schools before the summer term finished in mid July
 
2. John Vardy Memorial Awards
The award is presented in recognition of the all-round contribution to the life of the school by students, who will be advancing to higher education or University. This award is given to a pupil from Golborne High School and Hope Academy in honour of our founder President John Vardy OBE. The presentation of the award gives the student the opportunity to visit the club and present to us their ambitions and goals for the future. Hope Academy no longer has a 6^th form. Plans are in hand to present the awardsl at our lunchtime meeting on 13th September.
 
3 Young Chef Competition.
This competition encourages a healthy lifestyle, an understanding about natural ingredients and recipes. It also challenges students to follow recipes and keep precise budgets. All of which are important life skills. The District final for 21/22 was held at Hope Academy on Wednesday 6^th July and we are pleased to announce that the winner was a student at Hope Academy. There is no national final this year.
 
4 Youth Speaks
This competition involves a team of 3 pupils entering a structured argument on topical subjects. Golborne High School has confirmed that it will host the local heat on Tuesday 7^th February 2023. As well as Golborne, Sir Edmund Arrowsmith School, has already entered and Byrchall High in Ashton and Hope Academy will also be invited to participate. 

5. Young Photographer Competition
It is hoped there will be sufficient entries to run a competition this year

6.Excitement of Science

An excellent opportunity for young scientists from secondary schools to experience a lecture at a university and at the same time learn more about a subject they are interested in.
The event helps to promote science as a vocation at a time when young scientists are in demand. It encourages them to study the subject with a view to attending university to further their education. It is a one-off opportunity which can make a lasting impression on a young person’s life. The lecture is organised through District and Manchester University.
The theme for 21/22 was Graphene-Unexpected Science in a pencil line and was a virtual presentation.
Additionally this year Rotarian John Shaw organised a local essay competition following the lecture for our participating schools. However, only one school participated but the standard of entries was very high.

7 Urban Kids Go Outdoors- Pettypool Centre
Events in 21/22 prevented us from sending any children to this centre. We are proposing to sponsor a primary school class from our area to a fun day out at the Petty Pool Centre, which is a Rotary approved adventure centre. The children will go out into the countryside, engage in team-building activities and develop their confidence.
This is a splendid opportunity for deserving children to experience a trip out of area and realise their potential whilst enjoying themselves.   

8 Art Competition

Devised to encourage and support pupils at infant level. This project assists their development and aids their integration into school life. It allows them to show their abilities through the use of colours in art. The designs are thought provoking to encourage further integration into being good citizens.
The entries for this year have been collected and it is important that we continue with this project, as it is the only involvement, we have at this age group.

9 Rotary Young Citizens
Following Khovan Hussein’s success in 21/22, it will be a hard act to follow. We propose to encourage entries during this Rotary Year.

10. Rotary Young Leaders Award.
The event for 2021/22 has been postponed until the end of August and requests have been made to local organisations to submit names of suitable participants. If the District calendar reverts back to its usual date, there may be a further programme for 22/23.

11 Rotakids Club
An enquiry has been received about the forming of a local club. We will explore the possibilities and the practicalities, in the near future.
 
Summary 
The 2022-2023 programme covers a broad spectrum of ages, between 5-18 years, from our local schools and organisations. Our aims are to be inclusive for all young people of all back grounds and abilities.
Working with young people is a truly way to promote the work of Rotary in our community. It fosters relationships with young people, educational institutions, their parents and carers. Ultimately it gives young people experiences, challenges and recognition that they would not otherwise have had.
Les Clancy