Diana Awards to be launched in Northern Ireland

An award for Young People will be officially launched in Belfast tomorrow.

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award has been created to celebrate the innate qualities, courage, commitment, compassion and selfless service to others.

It is open to young people between the ages of 12 to 18 and they are judged by the contribution they make to their schools, families, friends, or communities.

A special anti-bullying award has also been created and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children, Nigel Williams will present it to the four young people from schools across the province that are set to receive it.

Mr Williams said: "All too often children and young people are portrayed in the media in a negative light and in many cases they are singled out as the cause of many problems. This is why I believe that the Diana Award is important as it recognises the very real and positive contribution that young people make to society."

Over 11,000 children in the UK have been awarded a Diana.

Most nominations include young people who have been brave or have overcome personal obstacles as well as young carers, fundraisers, peer supporters and school council members.

Northern Ireland schools have welcomed the award, saying it is non-academic and provides a unique opportunity for schools to recognise the holistic qualities of their pupils, and is also a fitting tribute to the late Princess of Wales.

Director of Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Young People, Maggie Turner said: “We are delighted to be officially launching the Diana Award in Northern Ireland today.

The Award provides the opportunity for schools to celebrate and recognise young unsung heroes who give their time and expertise without seeking reward for themselves.

She added that a Diana Award has a "lasting impact on the lives of those who gain it," and they hope to receive many nominations from schools in Northern Ireland.

(EF/SP)