Northgate Managed Services sponsors the Prince’s Trust Education Achiever Award
01 December 2010
Northgate Managed Services are delighted to have sponsored the Education Achiever Award, at the 2010 Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards,
The Education Achiever Award, which recognises young people who have overcome barriers, developed new skills and improved their education prospects was won by Matthew Morrision who has successfully overcome behaviour and anger management difficulties.
Fifteen year-old Matthew had barely attended school for the past seven years. He was diagnosed with ADHD and faced difficulties in anger management, social interactions and cooperating with staff.
Matthew's outlook on school and life began to change when he joined The Prince's Trust's xl programme at Newtownabbey Education and Guidance Centre. xl is a team-based programme of personal development for students in their last two years of compulsory schooling.
Matthew's attendance at school has significantly improved and now averages 82 per cent attendance over the last year. He is much more self confident and willing to participate in group activities such as sewing Christmas stockings and building brick barbecues. Matthew has demonstrated he can learn new skills and put them to use. He's also supporting and guiding other students and has turned into a real team player.
Accepting the Award, Matthew said, "I'm really pleased to get this award. I really enjoy taking part in activities and I like being part of a team, especially as we work on a lot of fun projects. Taking part in this programme has changed my attitude and I am finding it easier to deal with other people."
Andy Ross, Chief Executive of Northgate Managed Services, sponsor of the Award, said, "Through our work in the education sector and investment in our local communities, Northgate Managed Services strives to encourage young people to develop new skills and improve their education prospects. We are therefore delighted to sponsor The Prince's Trust Education Achiever Award which recognises young people who have overcome barriers to succeed. We wish all the finalists the very best for the awards ceremony."
The Prince's Trust works with 14-to-30 year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. In Northern Ireland, over 3,000 young people each year are supported through practical help including training, mentoring and financial assistance.
Pictured (Left to right): Steven Watson, Matthew Morrison and Stuart Gunning, Regional Director of Education, Northgate Managed Services
