Pupils from schools across Somerset East, Cookhouse, Adelaide, and Bedford have again been afforded the opportunity to be the face and voice of change in their communities through a transformative initiative tackling social challenges head-on.
Since its launch in 2022, with guidance from qualified social workers, the programme has evolved to empower local pupils in grades 6, 7, and 8 with tools to overcome critical social issues.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility — a wind farm — sees the trained young “social influencers” from the community facilitate monthly sessions at 12 primary schools.
In collaboration with loveLife, the initiative provides a structured framework that empowers pupils and strengthens community resilience across the four towns.
Golden Valley’s social performance manager, Zandile Deliwe, said the aim was to create a support network that empowered both facilitators and pupils.
“By involving young social influencers from the community, this programme addresses immediate challenges while laying a foundation for long-term educational and personal growth.”
Deliwe said the programme had proven invaluable in equipping pupils with skills to address critical issues such as bullying, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and much more.
Each month, the social influencers lead discussions on topics tailored to the pupils’ needs.
For pupils facing heightened risks, the programme connects them directly with social workers to provide more intensive assistance.
In collaboration with loveLife, the wind farm has ensured that these sessions foster discipline, resilience, and a commitment to long-term academic success.
The programme, working with about 1,000 pupils across the 12 schools, also offers practical support, distributing sanitary towels to about 450 girls at each visit.
“By offering practical and emotional support, the programme actively reduces dropout rates and promotes positive behaviour among young pupils.
“We’ve seen first-hand how this initiative has contributed to a healthier, more resilient pupil body.
“By confronting issues like substance abuse, bullying, and teenage pregnancy, we’re building a foundation of support for future generations,” Deliwe said.
The youth-led programme will continue to be funded throughout 2025 by Golden Valley , a majority-owned subsidiary of ENGIE.
ENGIE aims to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions.
“Inspired by our purpose, we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses [gas, renewable energy, services] to offer competitive solutions to our customers,” the independent power producer said in a statement.
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