Woman to serve as IGE delegate

Shenna Collins says the Young New Zealanders' Challenge has provided her with many opportunities....
Shenna Collins says the Young New Zealanders' Challenge has provided her with many opportunities. Photo by Sally Rae.
Oamaru woman Shenna Collins is off to Mauritius in October as one of two New Zealand delegates for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association's triennial International Gold Event.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has been a national programme in New Zealand since 1963 and is now known as the Young New Zealanders' Challenge.

It was a programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14 to 25.

The IGE will be held in the coastal village of Pointe aux Sables in the suburbs of the city of Port Louis and on the southeast coast at Point Jerome.

A series of activities have been planned to enhance award-holders' leadership, communication and award skills.

Miss Collins (20) completed the Young New Zealanders' Challenge while a pupil at St Kevins College and has been inspired by the outdoors ever since.

She was encouraged by her mother to apply to become a delegate.

She said she was "stunned" when she heard her application had been successful.

"It just sounds really exciting," she said.

In an essay, Miss Collins said completing the challenge during her secondary school years offered her great opportunities she would not have had otherwise.

Playing sport was a great opportunity to get out of the boarding hostel and the service and expedition components got her out into the community and the bush.

"I had many funny and exciting times throughout the challenge.

"It also instilled in me many values I still hold today such as giving back to the community, respect for others and the environment, challenging myself to learn new skills and to never give up the opportunity for adventure," she said.

Miss Collins works part-time as a sales assistant at Smiths City and also is an assistant supervisor with the Conservation Corps course, an outdoor training programme for young people aged 16 to 25.

 

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