In their latest collaboration with the University of Derby, Derby Soroptimists commissioned students studying for a BA Hons in Working with Young People and Communities to undertake a learning project with young people that aimed to build self-esteem and confidence.
The students who completed the assignment presented their work to a panel of Soroptimists, and we undertook to make a donation to the organisations they had worked with, as long as they had kept to the brief and produced quality work.
Seven students presented their work to the panel, and after a thorough discussion we agreed to award £150 to two projects and £100 to another two projects.
In the opinion of the panel the best two pieces of work were for the Drop In Project in Belper and The Island Project.
The Drop In Project provides alternative education for 11-16 year olds who cannot attend school. The young people have very complex needs.
The Island Project is also an alternative education project, based on a Derbyshire farm. The student on this placement described the impact she had had on a 12 year old girl who suffers from ADHD and has a very poor view of relationships. Her work with the girl had significantly improved her attitudes and behaviours.