NCS youngsters enjoy an action-packed week
Palace for Life Foundation's NCS programme kicked off week one during the October half-term.
The Palace for Life Autumn NCS programme ran during the October half-term at Selhurst Park. We had a whole new group of young people and another group of returning graduates from our summer programme who spent the week learning new skills and enjoying new experiences.
We were delighted to partner with Tons of Sound to run a DJ workshop, KB Active for a fun, friendly and competitive exercise class and The London Wildlife Trust, who helped the young people get stuck into some volunteering to preserve nature in the local woods. The activities that our young people undertake all aim to develop a wide range of practical skills, physical skills and giving them valuable pieces knowledge. The NCS groups also completed a series of team building activities and workshops, including a binbag fashion show, demonstrating their resourcefulness and pushing them out of their comfort zones.
One of our young people, Kydavia, said: “I love doing new activities like this as it makes you realise the different industries people work in, and skills required. It was cool to learn about preserving nature in the woods.”
Emmanuel added: “I really enjoyed being able to help plants gain access to sunlight for more to grow. Together, we prevented the unwanted growth of invading tree species in the woods by felling certain trees.”
Participants were also engaged in two equality, diversity and inclusion workshops during the week. They had the opportunity to speak to Palace for Life employees, including our Race Equality Lead Cigdem Turkan, about Black History Month, their career journeys and their aspirations for the future.
Speaking afterwards, Alice said: “I thought that was so insightful and I feel really inspired by them both, what great role models for society!”
The two groups have now crafted their own social action projects which they will be rolling out in the community. One group will be making packs for the homeless and distributing them through Crisis, looking to help the most vulnerable in our community during the pandemic and over the winter months. Our group of returning graduates will be fundraising for young people to travel to and from education, as they recognise the importance of schooling to be able to improve your quality of life.
Speaking about the first week of the programme, NCS Coordinator Sara Jukes said:
“We are very proud of the achievements and engagement of our young people in week one. The social action projects show a social awareness and desire to help people that is very admirable.”
Find out more about NCS here.
To get involved email JamesOdagi@palaceforlife.org