District 105sc Young Ambassador 2024

In her own words, Jasmine tells us just a little about herself:

Hello, my name is Jasmine Folkes, I am 17 years old and I graduated from my final year of secondary school studying for my GCSEs at Oasis Academy Mayfield in Southampton as Head Girl. The selection process for Head Girl involved getting references from teachers and leaders in the community, being interviewed by a panel of teachers and writing a mission statement. Part of my duties as Head Girl included interviewing possible teacher candidates, providing tours of the school to visitors, heading the student council and being an ambassador for the school. Whilst being a pupil at school I was nominated for a national award for the OCL Community student of the year. I also won the Be Kind award for my school twice.

I am now studying for A Levels in Environmental Science, Geography and Biology at 6th Form College. I was chosen to be part of the student leadership team, we made presentations to the College principal and implemented some changes to college life, such as sustainable packaging in the canteen, more recycling options, and changes to the canteen layout and menu. We are now beginning to raise money for 3 charities, a local, national and international charity to help as many causes as we can. I have also enrolled on an extra conservation course.

I help my community outside of school in several ways. I volunteer as a young leader at my local scout group for the Cubs and Scouts, this involves helping with planning the content of evenings, implementing the meetings and overseeing the flag break every week. I took this role when I left my scout group to move up to the Explorer Scout group. I help and encourage the scouts to attain their badges, as a junior leader I can offer advice having just moved up from the Scout Section. As part of my training to become a young leader, I have attended training camps and courses. The syllabus included First Aid, Disability Awareness, Safeguarding, Leadership skills, Communication and Game planning and delivery. I regularly take part or represent my group in parades such as the Remembrance and St. George's Day parades. I was a member of a Sea Explorer Scout unit but have now left to ease the pressure on my studies.

I have been an active member of a scheme called the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens of Southampton City Council for 8 years, progressing from a Junior Warden to a Team Leader in this period. This is a scheme that is designed to encourage children aged 7-12 to engage in projects and events across Southampton. We support them to develop a sense of pride and respect in their local neighbourhood and promote a positive image of children in the community.

The lead Warden, Ian Mitchell said of me, "Jasmine has always been a valued and trustworthy member of the Junior Wardens and I have found her to be reliable, hard-working and have a high level of maturity for her age. On several occasions, I have also called on Jasmine to be the face of the Junior Wardens."

I have been involved in promotional videos for the Council, TV Interviews and public speaking at the Council's Summer Conference. The most recent was a video for the Southampton 2025 City of Culture bid, which is live, now on their website.

I am also actively involved in their Intergen program, every Monday evening. Our Intergenerational group is a mix of older 55+'s and young people 8-17 years old, bridging the gap between young and old, through joint activities such as arts and crafts. This group provides a valuable link for the older generation who do not necessarily have family by having quality time with young people in a fun and stimulating way. It also introduces the children to interact with older people.

Some of the activities that we have previously undertaken include making and burying a time capsule, planting a garden, keeping fit through dance and making mosaics, the latest of which is a large remembrance poppy we have just delivered to a local Veterans group. We also have guest speakers come and talk to us. These included Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing Dogs, St John Ambulance and Sign Language. The emphasis is on learning new skills whilst having fun. We also have quizzes, pumpkin carving, and Easter egg hunts and one of our favourite activities is bingo which we play regularly. I help to plan for future meetings and help lead and encourage the younger members of the group,

I have started Tutoring, since I started College, working to help primary and secondary school pupils with extracurricular learning in maths, English and science. I enjoy working with the kids and helping them to learn, and reach their potential.

During year 10, I undertook my school work experience in a local Infant school as a teaching and classroom assistant. During my time there, the school had an Ofsted inspection. I was observed and questioned about safeguarding by the Ofsted officials. The school obtained a 'Good' recommendation. I helped to set up and run the sports day, supervised the children in assembly, led activities and helped with Maths, Phonics and Reading skills. Most of the teachers and staff at the school thought I was at University qualifying to be a teacher, rather than being in year 10, remarking that I acted very maturely for my age.

As a result of all the community work that I have done, last March I was awarded the Lions Young Leaders in Service Gold Award by Dave Ebsworth at the South of England Lions Club convention. I had clocked over 300 hours of service to my local community.

Some of the other community-based activities I will talk about more in Section 2. These include Explorer Scouts and Project 23 scout jamboree, Hamble Players Amateur Dramatics group, Southampton Showcase Youth Orchestra, and helping out at Tickleford preschool summer and Christmas fairs.