The Challenge programme is a FOCUS initiative, run in partnership with schools and other organisations, which enables young people to organise their own youth led projects, which help others in the community
The Challenge Programme is available for groups of 13 – 17 year olds and can be delivered for between 8 and 200 young people at any one time. The programme is flexible in its delivery and can be run over a period of 3 – 5 full days, or for 2+ hours per week over a whole academic term.
The programme can be delivered during school time, as part of the formal or alternative curriculum, or it can be delivered as an after-school option. The format of the programme can be adapted to suit a wide range of young people in a range of schools or other youth organisations.
Benefits of the challenge programme:
l Develops teamwork skills
l Develops self confidence
l Increases motivation
l Taking on roles and responsibilities
l Increases self belief and self esteem
l Gaining evidence for award schemes
l Gaining evidence for award schemes and accreditation
l Gaining a practical experience of citizenship
l Its an introduction to volunteering
l Improved relationships with individual young people
l Improved relationship between local school and its community.
l A more motivated and active generation of volunteers and community leaders.
l More socially aware student body / membership,
l An improved reputation and relationship with the surrounding community
l Partnerships with local companies and other external organisations
l The programme is highly successful in re-engaging disaffected young people in learning activities.
Download Challenge Programme leaflet
Challenge_programme.pdf
For details of how your school or youth organisation can get involved, or if you would like your community group to benefit from a project delivered by young people please contact:
– Leicester Challenge Programme Manager
john.belcher@focus-charity.co.uk
– Nottingham Challenge Programme Manager
viv.hunter@focus-charity.co.uk
