Students from Barking and Dagenham College have been showcasing their community spirit, after volunteering to clean up the grounds of one of the most famous attractions in the borough, Valence House.
The medieval manor house is one of the region’s most iconic buildings and has previously featured in The Guardian’s list of the 50 best free things to do in London.
Recently the area surrounding the house had become slightly dilapidated and in need of some attention, looking overgrown and neglected.
Two of the college’s students Ajay Philips, 17, and Omega Chibuzo Findoro–Obasi, 18, volunteered their time to assist heritage ranger Roisin Barrowclift and other volunteers in clearing up the grounds, working to remove brambles, weeds and broken glass.
The pair were participating in the vInspired scheme, the UK’s leading volunteering programme, enabling young people to make social impacts in their local area.
Barking College runs a six-month vInspired course for local 16 to 25-year-olds, which focuses on the environment and how participants can make positive changes in the borough.
Participants learn vital skills, including teamwork and problem-solving which helps them to prepare them for their future.
They also get to make a positive contribution to the local community by carrying out voluntary work, with previous projects including things such as clearing undergrowth and litter near the borough’s ponds and canals.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement said: “It is great to see young people studying in Barking and Dagenham showing such dedication when it comes to maintaining one of the jewels in our borough’s crown.
“I would like to commend Ajay and Omega for their fantastic work, and encourage anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch with the excellent vInspired programme.”
