TWELVE students from local schools spent last week with Essex Fire Authority learning new skills, self discipline and responsibility, thanks to funding by Lakeside Shopping Centre.
The “Firebreak” scheme combines practical skills with scenario based training promoting teamwork, leadership and motivation. £4,000 worth of funding from Lakeside has enabled 12 students from The Ockendon School; Ormiston Park Academy; William Edwards; The Harris Academy and The Grays School to attend a week-long course at Corringham fire station.
Lakeside made the decision to support the scheme because its aims of instilling a sense of self-worth and self-confidence in young people, encouraging them to respect differences between people and urging them to play an active role in their community, entirely matched Lakeside’s own community goals.
Paul Lancaster, Lakeside’s General Manager, said: “Supporting young people is one of the main aims of all of our community projects and this important work carried out by Essex Fire Authority deserved our full support. Fire-fighters are fantastic role models and we believe that this kind of direct, positive contact with them can help improve young people’s lives and have a positive impact on their future.”
At the end of the programme, each student received a Chief Fire Officer’s Certificate of Achievement and an AQA award (equivalent of a GCSE pass).
For more information about Lakeside’s community projects, visit: http://www.lakeside.uk.com/About-Us/Corporate-Responsibility.
