Jacob Taylor, 15, a pupil at Holl Cross Academy has become a new volunteer for SERV as part of his aim for The Duke of Edinburgh Award! Hearing about SERV through his mum and after seeing what we’re about, he thought we were the best choice and to help his town out!
If you’re thinking ‘what’s The Duke of Edinburgh Award?’ (DofE Award) it’s an award
“that has helped countless young people on their sometimes difficult path to adulthood” – HRH The Duke of Edinburg
The scheme has inspired and transformed the lives of millions of young people from all walks of life. From volunteering to physical activities, life skills to expeditions, achieving a DofE Award is a passport to a brighter future, valued by employers and universities.
To achieve a DofE Award, you have targets to get. These include a physical, skill and a voluntary. Jacob’s physical is Karate, His skill is magic, and his choice is SERV! You need to do 1 hour each of all three a week over 3 months. Of course, Jacob has smashed these targets! His first-day volunteering he spent over 3 hours litter picking with SERV!
We spoke to Jacob about his first-day volunteering:
How was your first day out with SERV today Jacob?
“I was so surprised by how much litter there actually is. We did 11 bags from just one street! It’s courage me to tell others not to litter.”
How do you feel about volunteering with us today?
“I feel good today that I’ve helped the town look better and made a difference. If people see the difference, we’re trying to make. Hopefully, they’ll stop littering themselves. My mindset has changed a lot from today, I don’t normally litter anyway, but I know now I would never ever do it again.”
If you were to tell others why to volunteer, what would you say to them?
“Today has made me have a lot more pride in Stainforth, and if others volunteered too, I think it the same would happen to them and then over timeless people would litter.”
Thank you, Jacob, for your hard work! We hope you encourage people not to litter and volunteer too! Good luck with The Duke of Edinburgh Award!