Libby Woffenden receives the Diana Award at the UK Parliament
Libby took part in the St. Mary’s 2018 visit to South Africa.
On Monday 1 July 2019,Libby received her Diana Award on behalf of The Bambisanani Partnership from Wayne Bulpitt CBE. Warmest congratulations to Libby for this achievement.
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work. It is the longest running award for young people that is given to individuals and groups through a retrospective nomination process only. The Diana Award believe this is special because young people do not work towards the award, rather they demonstrate their suitability through their actions, without any expectation of reward.
The day ended with an opportunity of a lifetime. A private tour of the House of Lords by Angela Harris, Baroness Harris of Richmond. An opportunity to sit in the second Chamber of the United Kingdom Parliament and listen to a debate – seeing democracy in action! Thank you to the Baroness and thank you to Mr Harvey at St. Mary’s Menston for arranging the tour opportunity.
““When both teaching and sitting in on St. Mary’s student taught lessons at Mynakanya, it was incredible to see the enthusiasm of each student for every subject. In my geography lesson, even though the students had very little exposure to the subject, they all got involved at every opportunity. For example, some students asked me to write down what we had said to ensure they wouldn’t forget it, and others took pictures of notes and maps on the board. I found this determination and dedication to learning very inspiring.””
““Collecting the Diana Award on behalf of the 2018 Bambisanani Visit was an incredible opportunity which I will cherish for a long time. Learning about the work of the current and past award holders that I spoke to was both extremely inspiring and motivating. The opportunity to participate in the morning workshop taught me skills which I will carry forward into future interviews and public speaking that I do.
The awards ceremony, in The House of Lords, was a great way to bring the experience together as we all gathered to receive our awards and listen to inspirational guest speakers, such as Amika George, who was named as one of the most influential teenagers in the world in 2018. Finishing the day with a private tour of the House of Lords from Baroness Harris of Richmond was an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
My Bambisanani experience from start to finish has taught me lessons I will take with me and cherish throughout my life.””
