Two new awards encouraging young people to take part in community-based and outdoor activities have been launched.
The North Lanarkshire Challenge Outdoor Award and the North Lanarkshire Challenge Diamond Award are designed for young people aged 11 and over.
Both awards are aimed at recognising the achievements of young people and helping to build life skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
The qualifications have been officially credit rated at SCQF Level 3 by Glasgow Clyde College.
The programme also aims to promote environmental awareness and increase participation in volunteering, with the content designed to support those who may wish to progress to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award.
Those taking part will gain experience using local outdoor and community spaces for recreation, learning and skills development.
Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families said: “These awards are part of our wider commitment to providing accessible, meaningful and recognised learning opportunities for young people.
“I’d like to congratulate our CLD Youth Work team on gaining accreditation for this learning programme.”
Liz Fergus, Community Learning, Development & Resources Manager, said: “This milestone reflects the team's hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in our youth work delivery.”
Glasgow Clyde College worked closely with the council throughout the credit rating process. Julie Wales, Head of Sector Faculty of Health, Wellbeing and Management at the college, welcomed the collaboration.
“It’s clear to see the passion of the CLD Youth Work Team both for the qualifications they’ve developed and for the young people they work with. Their quality assurance processes are impressive and the awards they’ve created are deeply engaging.”
As part of the process, North Lanarkshire’s Youth Work Team will now also be recognised through Glasgow Clyde College’s new course, ‘Preparing a Course for Credit Rating Purposes’, which is at SCQF Level 6.
For more information about the new awards, contact Kirstin Thomson, Development Officer (Youth Work), at ThomsonKi@northlan.gov.uk