Children from the West Wight have been given the opportunity to experience sailing and powerboating thanks to funding provided by Freshwater Parish Council to support UKSA’s Test the Water programme.
The grant enabled local youngsters to take part in the initiative during April, introducing many of them to the water for the very first time.
Held on the River Medina, the programme saw children build confidence, resilience and teamwork skills while learning to sail dinghies and operate powerboats as they prepare for the move to secondary school.
According to UKSA, funding support helped ensure an entire class could take part together, regardless of individual circumstances.
Cara Hetherington, Fundraising Coordinator at UKSA, has said:
“We are deeply grateful for the support we received from Freshwater Parish Council, which allowed local children to come to UKSA and participate in our Test the Water programme in April.
“West Wight has a lot of poverty, so funding support ensures that a whole class can participate together and no child is left behind in the classroom.
“Many of the children had not been out on the water before and were nervous at first, but with the right encouragement all of the children took part – first building up their water confidence and then exploring the Medina in dinghies and powerboats.
Article continues below this advertisement “Exciting opportunities like this help to build self-belief, bravery and resilience at a crucial time as they prepare to step up into secondary school. Thanks again to Freshwater Parish Council for helping local children to Test the Water.”
Freshwater Parish Council says providing opportunities for young people to develop new skills and improve their wellbeing is an important part of its work within the community.
Kirsty Gibson, Clerk to Freshwater Parish Council, has said:
“Freshwater Parish Council is proud to support initiatives that create positive opportunities for young people in our community.
“UKSA’s Test the Water programme gives local children the chance to try something completely new, challenge themselves and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
“We are delighted that our grant has helped ensure that every child could take part, regardless of their circumstances, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact these experiences will have on their future.”
The Parish Council says it remains committed to supporting projects and organisations that enhance the lives of residents and create opportunities for future generations across the Isle of Wight.
