Ballymena Academy pupils celebrated for volunteering excellence at Volunteer Now Awards

In a special ceremony held at Ballymena Academy last week, Education Minister Paul Givan presented Year 13 pupils with prestigious Volunteer Now Awards, recognising their remarkable contribution of 2,000 hours to local and global community initiatives.

The event, coinciding with Volunteers’ Week, highlighted the vital role of young people in fostering community spirit and civic responsibility through volunteering.

The Volunteer Now Awards, organised by the charity Volunteer Now, are an annual celebration of outstanding contributions to volunteering across Northern Ireland.

The awards aim to acknowledge individuals and groups who dedicate their time and skills to make a positive impact on their communities.

This year’s ceremony at Ballymena Academy underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible young leaders, with 34 Year 13 pupils receiving accolades for their tireless efforts.

Speaking at a special assembly, Minister Givan praised the pupils for their dedication, emphasising the broader benefits of volunteering as an integral part of education.

“There is much for young people to gain by volunteering and it is right that the education system plays its part in encouraging and supporting high quality volunteering as part of a wider educational experience,” he said.

“I am delighted to present these Volunteer Now awards to pupils of Ballymena Academy. I hope that this acknowledgement of the excellent work they have done to date will encourage all who have received awards to continue to volunteer into the future.”

The Minister’s visit to the local school came during Volunteers’ Week, an annual UK-wide campaign held from 1–7 June to celebrate the contributions of volunteers and inspire others to get involved.

This year’s theme focuses on the power of volunteering to build stronger, more connected communities, a message that resonates strongly with the achievements of Ballymena Academy’s pupils.

A statement from Ballymena Academy expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments:

“This morning the Minister for Education, Paul Givan presented Year 13 pupils with Volunteer Now Awards. We were delighted that 34 of our Year 13 pupils collectively gave 2000 hours of their time to local and global community initiatives.

“We are so proud of their achievements and are delighted that they have set such a positive example to younger pupils in the school and the wider community.”

The pupils’ volunteering efforts spanned a wide range of initiatives, from supporting local charities and community projects to contributing to global causes, demonstrating the diverse ways young people can make a difference.

Their work not only benefits the recipients of their efforts but also provides invaluable personal development opportunities, fostering skills such as teamwork, leadership, and empathy.

The Department of Education Northern Ireland has long championed the integration of volunteering into the educational experience, recognising its role in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Ballymena Academy’s success in this area serves as a model for other schools across the region, showcasing how structured volunteering programmes can inspire young people to become active, engaged citizens.

The Volunteer Now Awards also highlight the broader societal impact of youth volunteering. By dedicating their time to meaningful causes, these students are helping to address local needs, strengthen community ties, and promote a culture of giving back. Their efforts align with the goals of Volunteers’ Week, which seeks to raise awareness of the transformative power of volunteering and encourage more people to participate.

The contributions of young volunteers are more important than ever. Ballymena Academy’s award recipients are setting a powerful example, proving that even small acts of service can have a profound impact.

The ceremony concluded with a call to action for other young people to follow in the footsteps of Ballymena Academy’s volunteers. With the support of schools, community organisations, and initiatives like the Volunteer Now Awards, the next generation of Northern Ireland’s leaders is already making a difference.

For those inspired to get involved, Volunteer Now offers a range of opportunities to explore volunteering roles across Northern Ireland. More information can be found on their official website, encouraging individuals of all ages to contribute to their communities.