West Lothian youth club to deliver ‘Junior Duke’ awards scheme for kids

A youth club in West Lothian is set to implement the ‘Junior Duke’ awards scheme for children, aimed at developing their life skills and self-confidence. The Vennie, located in Knightsridge, Livingston, will run this initiative, which was originally conceived by a primary school teacher in Glasgow. The program focuses on empowering children and helping them become more resilient and independent. Although similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Junior Duke scheme offers a pathway for children to transition into the teenage phase. The Vennie will collaborate with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, working alongside senior pupils from Ogilvie School in the area.

The Junior Duke Award is designed to be inclusive, allowing all students to benefit from the challenges and cultivate confidence and competence. The Vennie, which not only operates as a youth club but also runs a community food outlet, recently celebrated its reopening with the completion of new kitchen facilities in their clubrooms. The Morrisons Foundation generously donated over £8,000 to support this transformation, marking a significant investment in the club’s 15-year history. At the reopening event, youngsters were seen making use of the new kitchen, cooking up baked potatoes and other hot food for visitors, showcasing the club’s enhanced facilities.

Additionally, the open day highlighted various projects offered by the Vennie, including the community garden, the food outlet, and the football team. The collaboration with Ogilvie School campus in the community garden is a new venture focused on imparting life skills to young individuals. The recruitment of new trustee Hannah Bardell, a former Livingston MP, further solidifies the commitment of the Vennie to its community. Bardell expressed her eagerness to contribute her experience to support the club and its members, reflecting on her own upbringing and the importance of empowering young people.

Furthermore, the event welcomed various visitors, including local councillor Andrew Miller, current MP Gregor Poynton, and representatives from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The Vennie’s focus on community engagement and youth development was evident throughout the open day, showcasing its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for its members.

In conclusion, the Vennie’s adoption of the ‘Junior Duke’ awards scheme demonstrates its commitment to nurturing the youth in West Lothian and providing them with valuable life skills. Through initiatives such as the community garden project and partnerships with local schools, the Vennie continues to be a vital hub for youth development and empowerment in the region.