North West Regional College (NWRC) has successfully delivered a three-day personal development and volunteering programme for Lisneal College as part of Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), engaging almost 40 pupils aged 14–16 across two cohorts.
Delivered through the DCSDC Co-Designed PEACEPLUS-supported Inspire, Enthuse, Equip project, the programme provided young people with a structured and engaging introduction to volunteering, peacebuilding and community engagement, while building confidence and key transferable skills. Each pupil completed a total of 14 hours of activity, participating in a combination of classroom-based learning, outdoor team-building and practical community volunteering.
At the outset of the programme, pupils took part in an engaging session delivered by Amy from the North West Volunteer Centre, who highlighted the importance of volunteering and outlined future opportunities available to young people aged 16 and over. This helped pupils understand how they can stay involved in volunteering beyond school and provided valuable context for the activities that followed.
The programme continued with interactive workshops focused on personal development, where pupils explored their strengths, set goals, and considered how volunteering can support future education, employment and active citizenship. This was followed by a day of facilitated team-building and outdoor pursuits, designed to develop communication, resilience and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment. The activity was further strengthened by the support of NWRC Sports students, who volunteered as leaders and mentors for the team-building games and outdoor activities, gaining valuable real-life experience of programme delivery.
On the final day, pupils took part in hands-on volunteering within the local community. One cohort attended the Restore Hub in Lisnagelvin, where they learned about shop operations, the management of donations and the role of reuse in supporting sustainability and the circular economy. The second cohort was hosted by St Columb’s Park House through the Bloom Project, where pupils helped maintain flower beds, replanting and re-bedding flowers to enhance the local environment and shared green space.
Students from both NWRC and Lisneal College were subsequently recognised for their efforts when they were presented with certificates by the Mayor on Thursday 4 June at a volunteering celebration event hosted by the North West Volunteer Centre in the Guildhall. This acknowledgement highlighted the contribution of young people and student volunteers to the wider community during Volunteers’ Week.
“This programme demonstrates the important role that volunteering can play in bringing young people together, building confidence, and fostering positive relationships across communities,” said Francine Moran, Principal Lecturer in Sustainability and Social Responsibility at North West Regional College. “Through the PEACEPLUS-supported Inspire, Enthuse, Equip project, pupils not only develop practical skills and an awareness of sustainability, but also experience the value of collaboration, inclusion and shared community spaces. These early experiences are vital in supporting peacebuilding and encouraging young people to become active, responsible citizens within a more connected and cohesive society.”
Vice Principal of Lisneal College, Steven Young, praised the impact of the initiative on pupils. He said: “We were delighted to see how much our students engaged with the programme. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it is encouraging to think that some may continue their volunteering journey when they turn 16. The level of planning and organisation ensured a meaningful and rewarding experience for everyone involved. We look forward to further collaborative opportunities with North West Regional College in the future.”
The initiative aligns with key areas of the curriculum, including Learning for Life and Work (LLW), citizenship and employability, while also strengthening links between education and local community and voluntary organisations. It reflects the wider aims of PEACEPLUS to support inclusive, cross-community activity and to promote positive relations among young people.
Funded through PEACEPLUS, the Inspire, Enthuse, Equip project aims to expand the local volunteer base and community capacity, supporting the long-term sustainability of the community and voluntary sector in the North West. The project also contributes to building a culture of active citizenship, inclusion and shared responsibility among the next generation.
