Maria met the teenagers taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme at the Basingstoke College of Technology where they were planning their activities aimed at raising funds for Naomi House, St Michael’s Hospice and Anna’s Challenges, a charity for cildren with Cystic Fibrosis. 

The participants were planning kayaking, walking trips, organising quizzes and busking - all aimed at raising funds for charity. 

Maria said: “The National Citizen Service is a wonderful way of getting young people involved in new and challenging activities. I saw first hand how these activities build confidence and give these young people useful experience such as planning activities and working as a team. These planned projects are of great benefit to their community and give them the chance to  meet new people. 

“From talking to the participants today, it is also clear that they are having a great time and would thoroughly recommend the scheme to friends and family.”

The NCS is a Government-backed programme for 16 and 17 years olds, that brings together young people from different backgrounds. Through a full-time three week programme (followed by a 30 hour social action project) NCS helps them to develop greater confidence, responsibility, resilience and skills.  The scheme also gives them the experience of volunteering for their local communities.