Great Yarmouth Charter Academy students making a big impact in their community through Volunteering Club

Pupils at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy have seen their Volunteering Club double in size to over 40 young people making a positive impact in their community by joining a new volunteering group each Friday focused on keeping their school grounds clean and green. The group, made up of ages 11-14 are passionate about the environment and the climate and have been actively participating in groundskeeping, recycling, litter picking, and gardening.

The students have been working hard to maintain a litter-free campus and have even plans to start a composting program to reduce waste. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the pupils who have signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh award this year have taken a keen interest in making their school a great place to learn, make friends and give back to their community. In addition to the environmental benefits, the group has also created a tight-knit community of over 100 students who share a common goal of improving the community around them by joining up to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, which asks young people of all ages, to participate in their community by playing a sport regularly and showing personal improvement.

Ian Guest, the Head Gardener of Great Yarmouth’s Venetian Gardens, which adjoins the school and is working closely with the volunteering club said, “The school’s volunteering club is a great project and good to see youngsters taking an interest in horticulture and the environment. There is a lot work to be done this time of year, mainly here at the moment it's weeding with some cutting back. Volunteers during the winter months are sporadic, so every help from so many at Charter Academy is well received”

One pupil involved in the group, Emily, shared her experience, saying,

"I used to feel like there was nothing I could do to make a difference, but being a part of this group has shown me that even small actions can have a big impact. Plus, it's really fun to work with friends and make our school and community look great!"

Overall, the volunteering group has been a huge success, and more and more students are getting involved every day. The school is proud of its pupils' initiatives and hopes to continue to support and encourage their efforts. In the remaining weeks, pupils have planned a recycling drive and a food bank collection for the Trussell Trust, with further details to follow.