PUPILS from Ysgol Penmaes in Brecon are among the beneficiaries of a bursary awarded by Western Power Distribution to young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

The teenagers will shortly be taking on the challenge of their Gold ‘residential’ which will include a four-night (five day) stay with young people they don’t know and in an unfamiliar setting.

Last year nearly 700 young people started a DofE Award across Powys and to achieve a gold DofE Award they have to complete an expedition, skills, volunteering, physical and a residential section.

Currently in Wales over 11,000 young people enrol annually in a DofE Award with over 19% coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The DofE is very much a charity and relies on the support of companies like Western Power to help them support their ambitions to enable every young person to take part in a DofE programme and succeed, regardless of any barriers. The electricity distribution network operator for South Wales, the Midlands and the South West has provided a significant bursary to help enable more young people to take part in the DofE programme across Powys.

WPD are especially keen to help young people who may face financial barriers to taking part in the DofE programme.

By supporting a bursary, WPD are helping greatly with the costs of essential expedition equipment like boots, rucksacks and sleeping bags.

Ian Gwilym, partnerships manager for DofE Wales, said: “WPD is a long time supporter of the DofE in Wales and this new bursary is a great way for young people to get extra financial help to enable them to complete their expedition section.

“It’s also a great natural partnership with a company that employs over 6,500 staff. Research shows that employers love seeing potential new employees with a DofE Award. It tells them they are dealing with determined individuals who, through many months of progressive and committed activity, have developed the ability to overcome challenges, manage their lives and help others.”

Karen Welch, from WPD, said: “We believe it is the responsibility of large organisations like ours to play a full and active role in the communities they serve. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the DofE by helping to support young people to reach their full potential.”