More than 250 young people graduated the National Citizen Service (NCS) at a prestigious ceremony held at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on Saturday 10 October.

Wisbech Standard: NCS GraduatesNCS Graduates (Image: PAUL TIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY)

The NCS programme is a national scheme, delivered locally by the College of West Anglia, King’s Lynn, during school holidays throughout the year.

The course, which is backed by the government, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helps young people build skills for work and life, while taking on new challenges and meeting new friends.

The activities the students took part in are designed to develop self-confidence, improve interpersonal skills and learn about the community through social action projects.

Students also arrange fundraising events for local charities. This year, 15 charities were supported over the summer programme, raising over £10,000 and contributing nearly 8000 volunteering hours.

Andrew Gedge, Head of Faculty for Public Services at the college said: “The graduation is a great occasion for the youngsters to celebrate their success on the programme, which for many of the participants meant stepping outside of their comfort zone to achieve their goals.”

The NCS programme is open to all 16 and 17-year-olds and will develop confidence, social and life skills, leadership and communication and help prepare them for life after school or college. At the end of the course graduates receive a certificate endorsed by Prime Minister, David Cameron.

The next NCS CWA wave is going out for a week from October 24, spending two nights at Mepal outdoor centre and the remainder of the week at the College of West Anglia. Future waves will also be going out in February half term and Easter, with a further three waves going out in the summer holidays.