Luke, 12, gets charity status for Young Pioneer programme

Young Pioneers is a charity run by young people for young people.

Its vision is to "Empower children and young people to make a difference to the lives of other young people in their local community and around the world.

It was founded by Luke, of Crowhurst, who wanted to make it "cool" for kids to have a positive attitude and do good.

The charity is structured so that all trustees and operational staff are paired with a young person.

The charity's triple message is:

'¢Awareness

'¢Action

'¢Accreditation

Through a structured education programme young people are encouraged to develop awareness about how they can make a difference. Issues they can explore include, tackling poverty, global citizenship, intercultural understanding, human rights, personal safety and many more.

They are then encouraged to take positive action and develop key skills. Examples include;

'¢Fundraising

'¢Volunteering

'¢Participating in a visit or exchange

This action is then accredited into a recognised learning pathway that will result in an accredited qualification such as a GCSE equivalent or NVQ.

The charity accredits young people with education awards as they raise funds for other children in need.

The charity is partnering Pestalozzi Village.

Following a recent presentation, Pestallozi chief executive officer Derek Marshall told Luke: "We should be proud to be your partner going forward, we were both very impressed with what you have achieved so far, and with the potential that is so obviously contained within the concept and practical elements that you are delivering now and planning for the future"

Pestalozzi students will, through the Young Pioneer Award be the first role models for other children and young people who follow the Young Pioneer programme.