Lauren is volunteer of the year
Lauren Atkins from North Warwickshire has been named 2008 VSO Global Volunteer of the Year.
Lauren, aged 17, a sixth former at Polesworth International Language College, was presented with the award by Ivan Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, for her vast work in promoting internationalism.
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is the world’s leading independent, international development charity that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.
The student also co-presented the National DCSF/British Council International School Awards to successful schools at a high profile ceremony in London with BBC newscaster George Alagiah.
Lauren, who recently spent time being mentored by Warwickshire County Council’s International Development Officer Judith Young, has participated in a wide range of projects within her school.
She helped organise a global working group to co-ordinate the many events and initiatives going on at her school. Activities range from teachers including internationalism in their classes by introducing mandarin to Year 7s and holding African drumming lessons, through to options for art students to study art from other continents.
Lauren, who first visited Ghana aged 13, said: “Learning about the world has encouraged me to pursue a career in international development. From being able to meet my pen pals and see how they live first hand, I have been able to broaden my horizons to make my family and I more knowledgeable about the world and its people.
“Some of my fellow students have gone on to travel to other places, some have changed ambitions and now want to provide medical help for people in Ghana. I intend to go to university to study international relations and development studies in September.”
Lauren’s global efforts has seen her take part in language groups, visits from students from countries as far a field as India and China, and themed events such as Fairtrade Week and International Week.
Polesworth International Language College engages in a wide range of global activities including publishing an internationally-geared magazine run by sixth formers, language groups and an internationally-flavoured curriculum.
The VSO prize recognises young people who have helped bring the world into their classroom by highlighting what life is like in the developing world and the issues faced by people living there. As well as recognising inspirational pupils, it aims to spark interest in international development issues among young people.