HONOURS FOR YOUNG HUMANITARIANS NI VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE THEIR DIANA AWARDS
SOME of Northern Ireland’s brightest and most courageous young people gathered at Stormont yesterday to be given awards in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Diana Awards were presented to 17 winners from across the province for their social or humanitarian work.
The late Princess’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have both given their backing to the awards which started in 1999 and have recognised 48,000 young people.
Volunteering, campaigning and tackling bullying were just some of the reasons that the special recipients were chosen.
Daniella Timperley, a pupil at St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena, said the subject of domestic abuse is “close to her heart”.
❝ Even though I’m after Diana’s tme, she’s still inspiring young people
Involved with two organisations, the 17-year-old supports intergenerational projects by visiting care homes as well as helping at homework clubs and summer schemes.
“I started volunteering for Women’s Aid when I was around 14,” she said.
“I was in the Voices group where we completed OCN accreditations in domestic violence, mental health, self-esteem and avoiding risks.
“We decided that we wanted to raise awareness about domestic violence and educate young people on it, so we made two films, which were both shown in school assemblies and on television as well.
“After that I went to represent Women’s Aid on the BBC Children in Need Youth Panel where I basically voiced all of the needs of the women and children helped by the service. It also gave them reasons why they should keep on funding.”
The campaigner said the fact young people are still being honoured in Diana’s name shows the legacy she has left behind.
“Having an award under Princess Diana’s name inspires me to do more,” Daniella added.
“She was such a generous and kind person. Even though I’m way after her time, she’s still inspiring loads of young people today.”
Londonderry-based teenager Danny Porter (15) only found out what it was for when he arrived at Stormont.
When his mother died, it led the youngster to help others who had suffered in similar circumstances.
Danny said: “I go to a group called Kinship Care. It’s an organisation which helps families stay together, so children live with their external family, other than their mother and father.
“I’ve helped out a lot with that group and been part of it for about two years now.”
Bartek Wysokowski, who is originally from Poland and is a pupil at Longstone Special School, was nominated for his concern about the environment as well as being an anti-bullying ambassador.
“I think I’ve got the qualities for the Diana Award,” said Bartek.
“I’ve been telling my friends to never give up on your dreams, do your work all of the time and be friendly.”
Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Awards, said:“We congratulate all our new Diana Award Holders from Northern Ireland who are positive trailblazers for their generation.”