News
Participants commended for their community work
14 June 2010Award participants receive recognition for their social innovation projects.
The eleven participants, finalists of the Peter Cruddas Social Innovation Initiative, attended a showcase event in the UK, which included a weekend of workshops in Windsor and a celebration at Buckingham Palace, where they were presented with certificates by HRH The Earl of Wessex.
The event was the culmination of the Initiative, a pilot project set up to recognise young social innovation through the Award Programme. Using their Award skills, each participant has set up a project to improve or support the lives of people in their communities.
The projects, selected by a panel, range from providing free meals, clothes and schooling for impoverished children in Ghana to campaigning for environmental causes in Pakistan. Read more about the Peter Cruddas finalists.
Meeting Peter
As part of the event, three of the participants met with Peter Cruddas (pictured left) himself at CMC Markets in London.
Speaking about the young innovators’ achievements, Peter said: "The ideas, drive and motivation of these young social entrepreneurs demonstrates amazing talent and the results speak for themselves.”
As well as sharing their projects with Peter, Alex, Rob and Judy spoke about their journeys so far and their hopes for the future. They also received some handy tips from Peter on how to become a successful entrepreneur.
Workshop of the world
Following their meeting with Peter, Rob, Alex and Judy joined up with the other finalists for a weekend of workshops in Windsor. The workshops, facilitated by Ashoka Fellow Charlie Murphy, explored how social innovation fits into the Award Programme.
Rob and Alex also led a workshop on how the group could upscale their projects and encourage other Award participants to get involved.
“With passion and energy we have engaged and worked to address a social problem within our local communities,” said Alex. “Thanks to The Peter Cruddas Social Innovation Initiative we have grown as leaders and are ready to take our projects to the next level.”
Celebrating the Award
The event concluded with a certificate presentation and celebratory dinner at Buckingham Palace, where the participants had the chance to share their stories and network with the Young Fellows.
The group return home, having gained new ideas and insights on how to build upon their own projects. They also return having built valuable relationships with one another and connections which will assist them in their vision to make a difference to the lives of others.
A publication about the Initiative and the showcase event will be available soon. Please contact Laura Thackray if you’d like to give feedback on the Initiative.
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