Youth On Board Awards winners announced: 5 outstanding projects and organisations recognised in the latest round of the British Youth Council’s Youth on Board Awards.
The Youth on Board (YOB) Awards celebrate innovative youth participation projects from organisations and individuals around the UK.
Young people from UKYP Scotland and Leeds Youth Council were recognised for the ‘Make A Difference Award’ which marks the achievements of individuals who has make a real difference through their role in the running of an organisation or project. The Leeds Children’s Mayor was recognised for the ‘Inspiring Project Award’, recognise efforts made by projects to engage young people and give them a voice.
Dyfodol y Ddraig from BYC national member, Girlguiding Cymru were also recognised in this round. Nia Jones, Chair of Dyfodol y Ddraig, describes the project:
“Dyfodol y Ddraig [Future of the Dragon] is Girlguiding Cymru’s youth forum. We give girls aged 16-25 an opportunity to have their say in the running of Girlguiding Cymru and planning for the future. By getting involved in events, planning and the program, we help make sure that the organisation stays current and is girl-led. Dyfodol gives members the chance to see the structural side of Girlguiding Cymru and increases their confidence to go on to other roles within the organisation. It teaches the girls may valuable skills, we share ideas and opportunities as well as having a fun time. Members come from all over Wales and get to know each other, help and support each other both within and outside of Guiding. We all appreciate the opportunity to be part of shaping Girlguiding Cymru for the future, its Our Youth:Our Future.”
Abigail, who represents Central Glammorgan in the Youth Led Award-winning project, speaks about what it means to her:
“I would describe myself as having a very active role within Girl Guiding Cymru, however the one thing that I love and can’t wait to attend is Dyfodol y Ddraig. Maybe it’s because of the enthusiasm that everyone has or the friends that I have made for life or the fact that we know that our views and opinions are actively listened to and acted upon by Girlguiding Cymru with the girl lead focus still to this day being of key importance. With every youth organisation the young people always say they have gained valuable skill they will use throughout their lives but I can honestly say that Dyfodol y Ddraig has truly given me the following skills my cultural sensitivity, observation and presentation skills, my communication, reliability and time management skills, my organisational, planning, team work and leadership skills, as well as my ability to reflect and evaluate!”
One of our judges, Chante Joseph, who is also a trustee said:
“Young people are taking part in social action at every corner of the country and it’s important we recognise these efforts! It’s fantastic to see winners from right across the UK and I look forward giving out more later in the year. We know that youth councils and other youth-led groups and projects will especially busy in the lead up to the general election creating opportunities for young people to present their views to parliamentary candidates.”
Youth on Board awards are made every quarter. Find out the 2015 deadline dates for nominations and how to apply here.
Award Winners
Make A Difference Award
- Jamie MacLeod – UKYP Scotland
- Junaid Ashraf – UKYP Scotland
- John Wadsworth – Leeds Youth Council
Youth-Led Award
- Dyfodol y Ddraig (Girlguiding Cymru)
Inspiring Project Award
- Leeds Children’s Mayor
