Member Article

Liverpool youngsters to travel the world as youth ambassadors

Two Knowsley residents have secured the life-changing opportunity to travel the world as ambassadors for British Youth, thanks to Liverpool social investment enterprise One Ark.

The winning pair began their roles as part of the World Merit Fellowship Program at this week’s World Merit Day, where the inspirational duo met activist Malala Yousafzai, philanthropist Katie Piper, Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall and former executive director of Amnesty International, Jack Healey.

Each winner had to undertake activity which would inspire local young people to engage in social actions, mirroring One Ark’s own purpose, which is to increase opportunities and create resilient communities within Knowsley. The talented twosome saw off competition from 4,000 other young people who engaged with the scheme.

Rebecca Feeley, 21, is the second youngster to secure a spot on the program, joining original winner, Robyn Dooley, 17, who impressed organisers with her campaign to increase youth political awareness.

To secure her place on the scheme, Rebecca utilised social action in the community, managing a set of creative workshops to support people struggling with issues including drug abuse and alcoholism. The artwork created in these workshops was auctioned off to raise money for groups which benefited from the sessions.

Executive director at One Ark, Tony Cahill, said: “Funding the World Merit Fellowship Program is just one of the ways in which we’re utilising high impact charitable activities to inspire the younger generation of Knowsley.

“Everything we undertake is designed to create opportunities for people to take control of their own destinies and transform their lives, something which is certainly possible for the lucky two who are about to jet off with World Merit.”

Alongside the two winners, a further 100 applicants will benefit from the scheme, receiving coaching, mentoring and support with social action projects within their communities. Furthermore, an additional place on the next round of the World Merit Fellowship Program will be made available to another Knowsley resident.

Emily Karatay, who is coordinating the scheme on behalf of One Ark, said: “Both of the winners have demonstrated an incredible amount of drive, entrepreneurial skill and social awareness to secure their place on this prestigious program.

“I’m thrilled to see a pair of talented individuals from Knowsley empowered to head off to participate in social action activity, tackling issues including climate change and gender equality on an international stage.”

The winning duo now embark on the World Merit Fellowship Program with 21 other young people from across the world. A year-long calendar of activities makes up the program, which culminates in a trip to Washington DC and New York City, where meetings with world leaders will take place.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .