Grant will help Rotary Club find youth leaders of the future

Buxton Rotary Club will use a £450 grant from the University of Derby’s Community Fund to turn young people in to the leaders of the future.

The money will enable teenagers to take part in the Rotary Youth Leader Award at White Hall Outdoor Pursuits Centre near Buxton, run by professional instructors who offer caving, climbing and canoeing.

The £150-a-head course is designed to develop leadership, team-working and character while exploring how to solve problems as part of a group.

The Club is matching the University’s donation, and the Award will be open to pupils from Buxton Community, Chapel-en-le-Frith and St Thomas More schools, whose teachers will select the young people most likely to benefit.

“These students are ideally ones who have shown a spark of leadership ability and are perceived to have the potential to blossom and take responsibility when challenged,” said Rotarian Andy Collier.

“Priority is also given to students who may otherwise not be able to access similar experiences at home or school due to financial or other reasons.

“The experience contributes to educational development and widens participation in education as well as benefitting local communities in the long term.”

To find out more about Buxton Rotary Club, see Buxton Rotary

The Community Fund is one way in which the University hopes to 'give back' to local people through grants to inspiring projects that seek to benefit the community.

Community groups throughout Derby and Derbyshire will be able to bid for their share of £15,000 over the next 12 months. There will be three rounds of funding in 2016/17, with £5,000 available in each round.

The Fund is now accepting applications for the next round of awards.