Network Ryde this week delivered certificates to 12 young people who have achieved their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
Ryde Town Council’s youth service act as an Open Award Centre on the Isle of Wight where young people can take part in the popular scheme. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award supports young people to learn and develop their skills via 4 sections – skills, physical, volunteering and an expedition – which are completed to receive their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.
Before COVID-19 times, this would include the young people meeting in their groups with the youth workers at Network Ryde’s Youth Café ‘147’ to work towards their sections, plan their expeditions, routes and sculpt their experience based on their own interests. During the pandemic, Network Ryde moved into the virtual world with Zoom sessions, videos and 1-2-1 meetings.
Normally, Network Ryde would have put on an awards ceremony for these young people, inviting their parents, carers and friends so they could celebrate with everyone. Sadly, due to the pandemic, this has not been possible in 2021. The team at Network Ryde still wanted to celebrate their achievements so decided to drop the certificates to the young people’s doors with a gift to commemorate their hard work and determination throughout the pandemic.
Bex Swan, Youth Work Manager, said:
“All of the team at Network Ryde are so proud of the young people achieving their awards especially as many of them have had to adapt the activities within their sections due to the pandemic and social distancing requirements. Although this was not a normal awards ceremony it was still incredibly important to recognise the young people’s achievements and we hope to celebrate in person when they achieve their Silver and Gold Awards next.”
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards:
Madeleine Hemper, Ruby Hendey, Bonham Black, Hannah Ainsworth, Lili Mae Lane, Sam Smith and Alex Williams
Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards:
Patrick Douglas, Carolina Lamb Sophie Bruce, Alice Aldridge-Snell and Simon Grimes
Very well done to all of you!
Excellent work and dedication will stand you all very well in the future!