Nearly 3,000 hours of volunteering by Cowes Enterprise College students have generated more than £22,500 of social value for the Isle of Wight community.
Cowes Enterprise College, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, is celebrating the outstanding contribution of its Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students after receiving its annual Social Value Certificate during Volunteers’ Week.
The certificate recognises the impact of volunteering completed by students as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), with an impressive 2,990 hours recorded across Bronze, Silver and Gold Award participants. Their efforts have generated an estimated social value of £22,573 for the local community.
With more than 100 students currently enrolled in the DofE programme, young people at the college have made a significant difference through a wide range of volunteering activities throughout the year.
Students have supported local charities including Cats Protection, volunteered in charity shops and spent time helping at the Alzheimer Café Daily Club in Cowes. Others have created and maintained community gardens, undertaken litter-picking and beach-cleaning projects and supported Scout groups and children’s sports clubs.
A key element of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is that students independently identify volunteering opportunities and commit their time to making a positive contribution to causes that matter to them. Through the programme, they develop confidence, responsibility and a strong sense of community engagement while making a meaningful difference to others.
The success of the programme is also supported by a dedicated team of Cowes Enterprise College staff, who volunteer their own time to organise, lead and deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Vicky Wells, Vice Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, said:
“Achieving nearly 3,000 hours of volunteering is an incredible accomplishment. We are immensely proud of our students for the positive impact they have made in the community and grateful to the staff who help make these opportunities possible.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides students with invaluable opportunities to develop skills, confidence and independence, while giving back to causes that matter to them. This recognition highlights the lasting difference they are making across our community.”
Adam Brown, Assistant Principal and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager at Cowes Enterprise College, added:
“It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment our students bring to their volunteering. The variety of volunteering undertaken is incredible, and the impact they have made across the local community is something we are immensely proud of.
“They have truly embodied the values of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through their service, commitment and willingness to help others.”
The recognition comes as expedition season continues, with students recently completing their Silver assessed expeditions and preparing for further challenges.
Cowes Enterprise College has congratulated all Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants and thanked the community organisations that have supported them throughout the year.
