Visit by HRH The Princess Royal is day NCW students will 'never forget'

March 06 2019
Visit by HRH The Princess Royal is day NCW students will 'never forget'

The Princess Royal has visited New College Worcester (NCW) to celebrate the work of overseas volunteers.

The Whittington Road-based secondary school and college for blind and visually impaired young people is one of many partner schools that benefit from hosting Lattitude volunteers from overseas during placements in the UK.

Each year, Lattitude international volunteers support blind and visually impaired students during the school day in lessons, as well as in the residential houses and at extra curricular leisure activities.

As Patron of Lattitude Global Volunteering The Princess Royal toured the Sixth Form Residential House, the Fit4Purpose multi-gym and saw various classroom demonstrations.

She talked to students, volunteers and staff who shared their experiences of Lattitude volunteers and their time at NCW.

Nic Ross, the college’s principal, said: “This was a brilliant opportunity to showcase the tremendous impact Lattitude volunteers have on our students.

“It was wonderful to see our students talking so confidently to Princess Anne about their experiences at NCW and the role the volunteers play here.

“I have had many proud moments at NCW but this day possibly topped them all.”

During the day, The Princess Royal saw a musical performance by sixth form students and was invited to present awards to volunteers and staff.

Charlotte Wallberg, a recent Lattitude volunteer at NCW, received an award for her outstanding contribution.

She said: “I feel so lucky to have been a part of this very special day and even more honoured to have received an award.

“Volunteering has been so rewarding for me and has very much changed my perspective on life. Meeting HRH The Princess Royal was also an incredible memory I will never forget.”

To conclude the visit, The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque and was presented with a gift by student and RDA national show jumping champion, Carys Goldworthy.

Lattitude Global Volunteering is an international youth development charity specialising in volunteering for 17 to 25-year-olds to make a difference to the lives of others.

It provides voluntary work placements for young people from around the world. 

It has a global network of placements that spans 17 countries and includes projects in conservation, caring, community, camps and outdoor, medical, sports coaching, teaching and language assisting.

Current destinations include Canada, Argentina and Ecuador.