Last week, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh visited Enter CIC and on his arrival was welcomed by pupils from Dean Bank Primary and Nursery School.
Enter CIC, based in Ferryhill, is a social enterprise working to raise the achievements of young people in the south of County Durham.
The visit to The Enter Centre, in Dean Bank, gave the Duke a chance to see first-hand the artwork and performance skills of young people, many of whom are learning outside the mainstream education system.
Andrea Flynn, Director of Enter CIC said: “It is a great honour to have His Royal Highness visit us today, who we know is a great supporter of youth and the arts.
“It is a great reward for the effort, character and spirit the young people we’re celebrating have shown on their life journey so far.
“We are very proud of our young people and very grateful to His Royal Highness for visiting us.
The occasion was a celebration of the achievements of young people who either developed their skills or took their final GCSE and A Level examinations at the Centre.
His Royal Highness was given the opportunity to see a wide range of student artworks on display, enjoy a live heritage performance and speak to the young people of Enter CIC individually about their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future.
The Duke also spoke to some award-winning young people who achieved qualifications to help move them onto their next phase in life, as well as others who have overcome great adversity in order to achieve their goals.
Sky Colledge, a young award recipient said: “Today was incredible and it was very inspiring to speak with the Duke of Edinburgh and to share my GCSE Art learning journey with him.
“I was able to explain my art processes and the media I had utilised in my final Alice in Wonderland inspired project.
“It was enlightening to listen to the Duke, who kindly shared his knowledge of the arts with me and I will remember today forever.”
As part of his visit, the Duke unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit.
He was also presented with an original engraved poem as a gift to thank him for his visit.
There was live instrumental music from local musicians and a buffet lunch for all award recipients and their families.
Taylor Stephenson, a young Enter CIC performer said: “It was an honour to meet and perform for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh today and it was a pleasure to be able to speak to him and show him photos about my history with Enter CIC.
“He showed great interest in our conversation which filled me with confidence.
“It was a great pleasure to have an opportunity to perform and to show him what we do at Enter CIC and the enjoyment that our performances bring, not only to our audiences, but to ourselves as performers, especially when performing about our heritage.”
David Cadman, Enter CIC Board Member said: “Enter CIC has a unique place in the hearts of the people it supports.
“Today has been a celebration of our youth, but also of the unswerving commitment of Enter’s staff, volunteers and supporters.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
