TO celebrate the Year of Young People, every week in 2018 The National is giving a platform to young Scots. This week, 20-year-old Eithne
MY journey through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) started when I first volunteered at my local Youth Hub in my third year of school.
This was a completely new experience for me, as I met lots of new people of varying ages and was given the opportunity to participate in and lead activities. My confidence improved hugely in communicating with new people, cooking in the kitchen and even group sports.
Throughout my time there, my youth development officer continued to provide me with support, and then encouraged me to join the Youth Forum before embarking on my Gold Award.
The Youth Forum gave myself and others the opportunity to have our voices heard and make changes in the community, no matter how small. Our achievements were as simple as getting a bus shelter installed outside the school at a busy bus stop, to working with a graffiti artist and painting an underpass used by not only many young people, but everyone in the community.
At the Youth Forum, I had the opportunity to give my views and – more importantly – feel listened to. This experience sparked a passion for youth democracy that I have held as a value ever since. My ability to lead my peers kept improving, and I became the chairperson. The youth development officer again supported me to fulfil the duties of chairperson as I created minutes and agendas on a weekly basis, as well as developing timekeeping skills.
I was then able to participate in Highland Youth Parliament conferences and meet young people from throughout the council area. My increased confidence allowed me to support others within the group by listening to their views and encouraging them to work together to achieve our aims and goals.
I did not have any experience of hill walking and expeditions, but I was given fantastic support and encouragement by both staff and experienced volunteers, whose time I am very thankful for, and all of whom were inspirational. I was able to visit amazing places in Scotland, and found a new appreciation for living in the Highlands.
These experiences inspired me to apply for a degree in Community Learning and Development, so I could see this great work continued, and provide opportunities to those who could learn the same way I did through volunteering.
Now in my third year of university, I successfully applied to be an Ambassador for Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018. In order to create a legacy for all young people in the Highlands, I am now working in partnership with other ambassadors and organisations throughout the area, concentrating on two of the six Year of Young People themes: “Equality and Discrimination” and “Participation”.
My amazing experience started when I embarked on my volunteering section of my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Now a Gold Award holder, I would encourage all young people to participate and get involved, as it will open up opportunities for them to participate in new things and find something to be passionate about.
This year’s DofE Gold Award presentation takes place next week at Holyrood Palace
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