The Rotary Youth Leadership Award is one of the most successful youth programmes run by Rotary Clubs in many parts the world. In 2013, the intensive training programme was held at the Dean Field Studies Centre, in the heart of Forest of Dean. The programme is aimed at helping selected young people to develop the skills which they will require as future leaders.
This year, a Chepstow teenager Hope Knowles was amongst the 40 young people selected for the week long course.
At Dean Field Studies Centre, qualified instructors lead the students in kayaking, wall-climbing, ropework, navigation, public speaking and teamwork. The programme also includes learning communication skills.
To join the course, applicants have to undergo an interview during which they explain why they want to go on the course and how they think it would benefit them.
Hope is currently doing volunteer work including helping at Chepstow Methodist Church as a waitress in the church café, talking to homeless and elderly people and running a toddler club and a ‘messy church’ craft club for children. She is now building on what she learnt on the course to add to her skills with the aim of achieving her dream job as a probation officer in the prison service.
