Harlow College has run its second National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, with all 24 students graduating in fine style!

NCS is an experience for 15 to 17 year-olds, giving them the chance to embark on exhilarating challenges, make new friends and build skills for work and life.

It comprises four weeks of adventure activities, skills and social action, including volunteering, before wrapping up with a graduation ceremony.

NCS is run by various organisations including colleges, with Harlow College being involved from the outset.

Two recent graduates were Katie, a Level 3 Public Services student from Harlow College and James, who is studying at The Billericay School.

Katie: “I was nervous before I started my NCS programme, but once I got into it everyone was so friendly and it was just such a lovely environment to be in. I made some really good friends and I loved the activities. We went away to Kingswood Centre in Norfolk for a week, which was a great bonding experience.

I also got involved with volunteering, with my group raising over £260 for The Isabel Hospice.

If I had to sum up my NCS experience I would say it’s exciting, nerve wracking and I’m so glad I did it!”

James: “Having put my name down to do the NCS programme, I came to Harlow College who organised all the events. During the week I took part in go-karting, leap of faith and the zip wire, as part of a team building exercise. For my volunteering, my group helped raise money for Harlow Food Bank.

It was a unique opportunity that helps bring out the best in you. It’s great to meet new people; you get to help out in the community and it looks good on your CV!”

Jack Taylor, Sports Enrichment Officer at the College and a Team Leader for NCS said: “The latest NCS group we took to Norfolk were all really quiet to start with, but by the time we returned they were all friends for life! As they bonded, they started to come up with great ideas for their social action projects, including their charity work.

All 24 students graduated, but more importantly they all worked hard and learned something along the way.”

For more info about NCS visit: www.ncsyes.co.uk