Page 91 - Bellfort Issue 3 2014

The LLW Department Youth and Philanthropy Ini- THE PROJECT: THE GRAND FINAL: tiative Northern Ireland Participating pupils worked in On 13th May 2014 the 7 finalist The year 10 classes were ac- small groups to research the groups gave their presenta- tively involved with a skill de- needs of their local Ballymena tions in front of an invited veloping YPI project. community and identified the judging panel, this included local social service charity The Ballymena Mayor, Mrs The College was selected to Wilson, Lauren Lamberton YPI be one of only ten schools representative and senior pre- participating in this project. fects. THE MISSION: Presentations were judged not only on content but also by creativity. The groups were judged by the most compelling and thorough that they considered most presentation. relevant to support. The winning group was SUMMER 2014 They investigated the char- awarded with a £3000 grant ity’s management, budget, for their charity. The mission of YPI aims to strategy and staffing arrange- provide secondary school stu- ments. The winning group were dents with real life experi- Kirsten Collins, Anna Knox, ences underpinned by a Pupils built relationships with Emily Erwin and Shannon Mil- strong academic philanthropy representatives from their lar and they were supporting course. This approach devel- chosen charities, they pre- Headway, the brain injury ops the skills required to as- pared a 10 minute presenta- charity. sess the needs of their com- tion about the charity outlin- munity and direct grants to ing their work and contribu- those charities making a local tion to the local community. impact on immediate needs. This process was designed to YPI empowers young people help pupils develop team- to genuinely participate in the work, communication and presentation skills. A winning group from each Other groups commended for class was selected and went their effort were Women’s forward to a Aid and the Samaritans. Grand Final. This has proven to be a very engaging project for pupils development of their own and a project which has given community, engaging them as pupils skills for life. dedicated problem solvers. Through the YPI project pu- pils were encouraged to build a sense of responsibility, re- spect and commitment to de- veloping compassionate com- munities. 91