Eighty young Swindonians will be getting the best out of their summer holidays when they get stuck into a free education programme that launches today.
The Young Wardens scheme, which has been running for the past eight years, provides awareness raising, education and heaps of fun for children of Swindon Borough Council tenants.
Aimed at children aged between 7 and 11, the scheme is run by the Council’s Neighbourhood Warden team, whose role is to work in the community helping to keep housing estates safe and clean.
Eighty children from across Swindon have signed up, with 20 youngsters each from Penhill, Parks, Pinehurst and Freshbrook, meaning the scheme is now fully booked.
Young Wardens 2017 launched today at 10.30am at John Moulton Hall in Penhill. Mayor of Swindon Cllr Maureen Penny will be at the event to officially launch this year’s scheme.
Road and internet safety will figure in the programme as well as learning about ‘stranger danger’. The teams of young people will also be making positive contributions to their local areas through litter picking, planting and other projects, and learning about the importance of recycling.
Also on the programme will be fire station and police station visits.
The summer of activities will finish off with a grand finale in the shape of a barbecue and fun sports day at Lydiard Park on Friday, 25 August.
Cllr Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “I am so impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the children who take part in the Young Warden scheme each year.
“The projects they get involved in demonstrate just how much they value their local area, and they jump at the chance of dedicating some of their summer holidays to improve their local community and acquire key educational messages.”
For further information about the scheme email: [email protected] or log onto: www.swindon.gov.uk and search for ‘Young Wardens’.
