A Busy October Half Term
The Foundation managed to keep spirits high during half term in light of multiple COIVID restrictions and delivered three successful community programmes working with a wide range of local young people from the age of 4 to 16.
NCS
We kick-started the week by taking 50 of our National Citizens Service (NCS) 17 year old participants to Go Ape to push their limits, bond as a team and conquer their fears by balancing, jumping and swinging their way through the trees at Battersea Park. It was a hugely successful day, and everyone (Foundation staff included!) came away feeling a great sense of achievement, although some swore to keep their feet firmly on the ground from then on.
During the week’s programme the NCS participants, all from local secondary schools, went on to learn key public speaking skills before delivering a two-minute speech on a topic they were passionate about. These ranged from reading, exercising and the need to recycle, to self-belief, being vulnerable and being kind to others. We heard the participants use their voices again later in the week through our Political Engagement workshop, sharing their opinions and casting their vote on important issues.
The young people then explored creative storytelling which saw them spreading key messages on mental health through short drama pieces, poems and photography.
To top off the week, they delved into the world of business and designed a social enterprise to bring about improvements in social, financial or environmental welfare. They developed then pitched their ideas, which included a life skills education package for schools and an app to combat the effects of global diseases.
Rhiannon Mayer, the Foundation’s NCS Manager said, ‘We were thrilled to have a great mix of young people on the programme over such a difficult period, who completed a full week of workshops. Go Ape was great and really tested our group’s teamwork and leadership skills’
Active Dons Holiday Programme
Our free Active Dons programme for 8-11 year olds once again went down a treat with pupils of Smallwood School where we worked with 30 children over three days. Parents were delighted their children were out of the house and being active with their peers, and the young people jumped at the opportunity to get stuck into some fun activities and games.
During the programme they took part in all sorts of sports like dodgeball and bench ball, and were treated to drama and dance sessions from our close partners Bonnaire Arts Education & Training.Games like ‘Splat’ and ‘Grandmother’s Footsteps’ have now become firm favourites of our Active Dons participants and are always get everyone laughing and having fun!
We also spent three days at Phipps Bridge Youth Centre as a continuation of the programme we ran at Liberty School over the summer. We made the most of the indoor sports hall to play basketball, football and table tennis, and to connect with young people who will be taking part in our new, free Monday evening provisions here. Some of these participants will also be completing their sports leaders awards with the Foundation, and we hope to get involved with coaching some of our younger participants soon.
Holiday Football Camp
We were also delighted to host 75 children agreed 4 - 15 on our Half Term Camp at Southfields Aspire Centre including a group of 25 Mini Dons aged 4 – 7 yrs. The numbers on our holiday and PDC courses have increased rapidly in recent months with local children and parents signing up to weekend and midweek courses to improve skills and match play.
