The winners of the 2010 Inspire Awards have been announced.
At a celebration ceremony at City Hall, the children, young people, teachers and community representatives who selflessly give up their time and make an effort to help others and tackle bullying have been recognised with an Inspire Award.
As part of Anti-Bullying Week and back for a second-year following the success of last year, the day-long event, including workshops for young people and professionals working with young people, culminated in the awards ceremony with speeches from the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Keith Hyde, Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway and international rugby referee Nigel Owens.
Cardiff’s theme for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week is ‘Free to be me’ to promote the importance of young people valuing their uniqueness and diversity as well as celebrating difference and encouraging self-respect and self-expression.
Danny Willis of Llysfaen Primary was presented with an Inspire Award in the primary school pupil category for consistently showing acts of outstanding kindness to his classmates and his brother. He supports a fellow classmate who has Down’s Syndrome and is always caring and considerate, putting others before himself.
Glyn Derw High student Lee Hatim was named as this year’s Inspire Award winner in the secondary school pupil category. Lee set up an after school club for Year 7 and 8 pupils who had experienced bullying or felt they were vulnerable to bullying behaviours, inviting external agencies to deliver workshops and assertiveness training for the group. He has developed lesson plans and arranged for other pupils to help him plan and design materials for the group. Lee has raised money to support the group to provide materials and resources and has also visited local police and fire stations to enlist their help and support.
Oakfield primary school teaching assistant Sonia Price was recognised for her enthusiastic support for pupils with the Inspire Award for school staff. Sonia delivers stimulating programmes to raise children’s self-esteem and address anger management issues. Her thoughtful and considerate manner ensures pupils feel safe, secure, valued and happy in her care. Sonia is popular and friendly and has made a significant contribution to the school’s positive behaviour management programme. Upon her suggestion self-esteem and behaviour management classes have been established for Key Stage 2 pupils.
Barnardos Caterpillar Project team members Catherine Nicholas, Shelley Godfrey and Nick Morgan were the community representative winner of the Inspire Award. Catherine, Shelley and Nick provide invaluable support to young people who have experienced problems such as bullying and assist young people to develop their confidence and self esteem, providing them with invaluable skills to meet new people and make friends. They provide one-to-one support for individuals who have difficulties interacting with others, building their confidence. They co-ordinate and run a girls’ group which aims to discuss and understand bullying behaviours and have supported young people’s transition back to school.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “Today we have celebrated the achievements of our schools and those individuals who make a valuable contribution to making their schools and communities better places to work, learn and play. There is outstanding work going on to prevent bullying and support pupils in achieving their full potential.
“There is a strong emphasis on anti-bullying work in Cardiff and we have developed a better understanding of the complexities of bullying incidences and on the impact bullying has upon children and young people, not just victims of bullying, but also the perpetrators and witnesses of bullying. We are all aware of the importance of addressing bullying within our schools and communities and are committed to preventing this unacceptable behaviour.
“Our young people are our greatest resource in preventing and responding to bullying and it’s clear that individuals across the city are making a real difference every day to support those individuals who need support in times of need.”
