Kettering, Rowell and Corby Lions have together recognised the young people in their area who provide many hours of service in their communities, through the Lions Young Leaders in Service programme. For some it is overdue recognition for work they have been doing already, while for others it provides the added inspiration to become involved in service that is beneficial to family, neighbours and their wider communities.
The Award is being promoted through links which the three Clubs have made with secondary schools, youth clubs and uniformed organisations. The South & East Midlands Wing Air Training Corps has recognised the value of the scheme and are using it for the time being primarily with their junior officers. The NAYC have proved most helpful in contacting other youth clubs and detached groups.
The range of work carried out by individuals is unbelievable. Young people are enhancing their school environment in their own time, a group in Desborough are maintaining their skate park, while another group is helping to renovate a town centre youth club/community meeting place in Kettering. The list grows weekly and does not forget young people who are involved with helping close to home e.g. caring for a disabled family member, collecting a younger sibling from school and babysitting until a parent gets home, helping with homework or basic literacy skills, and shopping for an elderly neighbour or doing their garden.
All these young people will get an internationally recognised Silver Seal Award Certificate when they complete a minimum of 50 hours service within 12 months. They can also earn a Gold Seal Award by completing 100 hours. Both certificates will be signed by the Lions Club International’s President.
Local Zone Chairman, Lion John Gray, said, “By involving young people in helping others at this early stage we hope that they will see the value of what we mean by ‘A few hours a month, multiplied around the world makes a big difference in all communities!’ They have certainly got off to a flying start and could become future Lions”
