v goes back to school

Working with the Department for Children, Schools and Families, v has launched an exciting school community action programme. Building on the foundations created by citizenship education this new programme will reach out to all secondary schools in England to embed a culture of community action.

In April 2009, the Prime Minister set out his ambition that all young people in England should complete 50 hours of community service (activities designed to benefit individuals, communities or the environment) by the age of 19. A key part of this ambition included the expansion of community service opportunities to young people in schools, and specifically 14 – 16 year olds. This development also reflects Recommendation 4 of the Russell Commission which calls for a volunteering ethos in all schools.

Some teachers and schools are already doing brilliant work with their pupils on community action. This programme will embrace the range of initiatives already being delivered in schools, such as the Duke of Edinburgh programme and the Community Sports Leaders Awards, but build on this by providing teachers with valuable additional support and resource.

The v school community action programme is designed to encourage students and schools to find new and innovative ways to undertake activities which benefit the community. v is working to appoint a team of school advisors in April 2010 who will work with schools to develop student-led and school-based community action programmes, facilitate more effective links between schools and local third sector organisations and provide recognition of the students’ service. v’s existing vinvolved teams network across England will contribute their knowledge, expertise and existing relationships with schools and local organisations to get the 14 – 16 programme off to a flying start.

v is very excited to be leading this programme. Our research shows that once a young person has taken action or volunteered they are much more likely to do it again. We have written elsewhere on the importance of developing a life-cycle approach to engaging young people in community action, volunteering and service. With the launch of this new schools programme, we come one step closer to that reality.