Last Friday afternoon saw the new Chairman of the Isle of Wight council, Cllr Susan Scoccia, launch her chosen charity of the year.
Addressing those who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the launch at Ventnor’s Cricket Club, Cllr Scoccia explained that when tasked with choosing a charity, it took only a moment or two to decide on St Catherine’s.
Having been a Trustee at the school for the last two years, she said that the atmosphere and dedication to young people at St Catherine’s was highly impressive. Cllr Scoccia has chosen to raise money for The Worx, a comprehensive vocational training project that has been running since 2008.
Helping other local young people
It’s hoped any extra money raised this year will help to extend the offer of vocational training to local young people who are not attending the school.
The first fundraising event takes place at Haddon Lake House in St Lawrence, details to follow.
If anyone is interested in purchasing a ticket to attend (N.B. event is limited to 50 people), send a cheque for £15 per person to Susan Graves at St. Catherine’s, Grove Road, Ventnor, PO38 1TT.
Thanks from the charity
Principal of St Catherine’s, Brendan Carlton, thanked Cllr Scoccia for her support over the years and for choosing St Catherine’s as her charity whilst Chairman of the Council.
He explained that when we communicate, most people do it without thinking, taking the ease at which they communicate for granted, whereas many of the learners at St Catherine’s have to work very hard just to listen or speak to others.
Statistics state that one in ten young people have a speech or language problem, really highlighting the need for charities like St Catherine’s – which incidentally, is recognised as a leader in the UK.
Life skills and independence
The Worx not only provides vocational skills for the young people in their care, but also provides life skills, Brendan explained.
Building self esteem and preparing the young people for the world of work and independence was vital to the project which also helped pupils from St George’s School too.
All in all a very worthy cause!
