A community venture in Livingston called The Vennie has launched a new program called ‘Junior Duke’ awards for children. This program, originally created by a Glasgow primary school teacher, aims to help children build confidence, resilience, and independence through life skills awards. The Vennie will be partnering with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, working with senior pupils from the nearby Ogilvie School.
Although similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Junior Duke program is a separate initiative that offers a pathway for children to eventually participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award as they grow older. The program is already running in many schools across the country and is now being managed by The Vennie youth club, which recently appointed a new Youth Coordinator named Jen McCusker.
The Junior Duke Award is designed to be inclusive, offering every student the opportunity to benefit from the confidence and competence gained through the challenges of the program. In addition to the Junior Duke program, The Vennie also operates a community food outlet and a youth club. The club recently held an open day to celebrate the reopening of its facilities, including new kitchen facilities that were made possible by a generous donation of over £8,000 from the Morrisons Foundation.
During the open day, the young members of The Vennie showcased their new cooking skills by preparing food for visitors. The transformation of the building was described as “amazing” by trustee Julie Henderson, who also runs the Vennie food outlet in the Mosswood community Centre. Former MP Hannah Bardell has joined the team as a trustee of the community hub, bringing her experience and expertise to support the organization.
The open day also featured other projects offered by The Vennie, such as the community garden and the football team. The club has started working with young people from Ogilvie Campus in the community garden, teaching them valuable life skills and helping them complete the Duke of Edinburgh awards. This collaboration marks an important milestone for The Vennie, as they continue to empower and support the youth in the community.
Former MP Hannah Bardell expressed her excitement about joining The Vennie as a trustee, citing her own upbringing in a similar area and the support she received from her family. She emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and empowering young people to believe in themselves and their potential. Current MP Gregor Poynton, along with local police and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews, also attended the open day to show their support for The Vennie’s initiatives.
The Vennie’s dedication to empowering young people and providing valuable opportunities for growth and development is evident in their commitment to programs like the Junior Duke awards and collaborations with local schools. With the support of dedicated trustees and community members, The Vennie continues to make a positive impact on the lives of children in Livingston.
