For most youngsters throughout the region September is a difficult month, some are attending new schools, most have new teachers and are apprehensive about settling down in the their new routines. They are looking for something that gives them something to smile about, something they enjoy and can rely on. It is with great pride that we can say that our community department can provide such re-assurance as the Gateway scheme kicks off its 12th successive year of providing the youngsters within the region a fortnightly sessions of skills and fun.
Heading up the scheme is community development officer Janice Chappell, and whilst she is only half the girl she was (she has lost 6 stone you know) she remains as keen and dedicated as ever.
“I love this time of the year as I get to know new classes and new teachers, and then I get to watch the pupils develop throughout the school year as they put into practice all that we try and teach them through the Gateway scheme” said a beaming Janice.
For community manager Mike Sage it is a return to the classroom for him as well and he too is looking forward to establishing links between the Dragons and the schools that Gateway is involved with,
“For those schools who have remained loyal to our scheme I would just like to thank them for their support, and for the new schools that have come on board for this year I would just like to welcome them to our Gateway family. We like to think that it’s not just us visiting schools on a fortnightly basis but the whole scheme that keeps schools involved, we try to get as many schools in for Dragons home games, we offer the opportunity for schools to become the guard of honour at matches as well as being invited to Rodney Parade to participate in the Second Half education project” explained Mike.
He is rightly proud of the fact that Gateway is still the most effective and successful community scheme throughout Wales, if not Britain! Keep up the good work team.
