GROWING numbers of young people in St Helens are taking up the challenging Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme according to figures released by St Helens Council.
The latest figures show that across the borough there has been a significant development and steady growth in the national scheme which offers bronze, silver and gold awards. Youngsters take up the award scheme through schools, youth clubs and voluntary youth organisations.
Through its Youth Service, the council has responsibility for the day-to-day operation and delivery of the scheme which provides practical, cultural and adventurous activities for 14 to 25-year-olds. The initiative aims to provide a high quality enjoyable, challenging and rewarding wide reaching programme of activities for young people which enhances their personal and social development.
In 1998, a total of 319 young people took up the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme across the borough compared with 597 in 1999 and 923 last year. Uptake has increased significantly since the council invested £28,000 into the scheme in 1998 from the Local Management of Schools Contingency Fund.
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