Gwynedd youngsters' national achievement

Two Gwynedd students have successfully gained their place on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) Cymru Youth Ambassador Programme 2024-26, where they will represent other young people from across Wales, share their DofE experiences and help shape the charity into the future.

Nanw from Morfa Nefyn and Shannon from Nefyn, who are both 16, are two of 14 selected from across Wales to be part of the programme and both are working towards reaching the Gold level of the national awards.

Nanw began her DofE journey when she was in Year 9 at Ysgol Botwnnog, after Andrew Owen, a youth worker with Gwynedd Youth Service, gave a presentation. Shannon decided to participate in the DofE programme to strengthen her university application.

Since being on the programme, both have completed Bronze and Silver levels, and have led and organised a host of activities, including:

• Being members of "Llais Ni" (Our Voice), the Youth Service forum, and representing the forum at the Cardiff Youth Council held at the Senedd.
• Organising the Well-being Festival – more than 800 other young people attended the festival which was held online during lockdown in 2020. The festival won a Youth Work award.
• Being part of the team of young people who organised a youth gig to fund-raise for the Sands charity, where Shannon also cut her hair to raise money.
• Fundraising for the campaign in the village of Edern to buy a defibrillator for the community by creating and selling jewellery and organising local events.
• Developing mountaineering and outdoor activities skills and doing first aid training.

Nanw said: "I enjoy horse riding and the Physical Section of the DofE programme has helped me to challenge myself and improve my skills.

"I love animals and I want to be a vet in the future. I'm also passionate about Welsh education and culture, and I hope to be able to encourage other young people to benefit from the opportunities of the DofE programme." 

Shannon added: "By completing the Bronze and Silver Awards, I have improved my social skills and gained confidence, especially by volunteering and organising events.

"As a Youth Ambassador, I want to make the DofE accessible and fun for everyone, and also to inspire others to get involved in the programme and create lifelong memories. I would encourage young people in my area to take advantage of the opportunities on offer – I've gained so much out of this." 

Andrew Owen, Dwyfor area Youth Worker from Gwynedd Youth Service has been working with Shannon and Nanw since 2019.

Andrew said: "Congratulations to both for their hard work to rise through the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the DofE award. Good luck to them on the Youth Ambassador Programme and best wishes in representing Gwynedd on the national stage, I'm very proud of both of them.

"Gwynedd Youth Service offers all sorts of great opportunities for young people in the county who are looking for new experiences and friendships. To find out more about the activities and opportunities available in your area, follow us on social media."

Contact the Gwynedd Youth Service:

E-mail: ieuenctid@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Facebook: @IeuenctidGwyneddYouth

Instagram: @ieuenctidgwyneddyouth/