A young person from Narberth is one of two students from Portfield School in Pembrokeshire selected as Cymru Youth Ambassadors for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).

Alex Underwood, 19, from Narberth and Celyn Sollis, 20, from Cardigan join a cohort of just 14 DofE Award holders aged 16-20 from all over Wales, who will advocate for young people by sharing their expertise on key issues impacting them. Together, they will make young people’s voices heard by speaking at events, engaging with campaigns and feeding into decisions to shape the direction of the DofE charity’s work.

Alex, who has additional needs, was inspired to sign up for the DofE after seeing his older brother thrive, learning valuable skills, and enjoying the Award experience.

Currently doing his Gold Award, through Pembrokeshire County Council, Alex said: “My experiences have helped me to go away from home on expeditions like my older brother when he did his DofE. He hasn't got learning disabilities like me.

“Before starting I felt a bit apprehensive about whether my learning disability would hold me back but with support from my DofE Leader and encouragement from my teachers, I soon gained the courage to try new experiences and haven’t looked back. I would like to encourage more pupils with additional needs to join DofE as it is for everyone and can help them build new skills.”

Through the Award, Alex has gained practical skills, boosting his confidence, and developed a sense of independence. Passionate about farming and agriculture, Alex particularly enjoyed the Skills section, where he expanded his knowledge at a dairy farm in Tavernspite.

“I would like to encourage more pupils with additional needs to join DofE as it is for everyone and can help them build new skills.”

Joining Alex as a DofE Cymru Youth Ambassador is 20-year-old Celyn. She described her world as becoming smaller since the Covid-19 pandemic, but the DofE has pushed her out of her comfort zone to try new experiences like camping and volunteering. Celyn is now eager to share her story and encourage others to gain the confidence and skills that have helped her grow.

Celyn, who is also doing her Gold Award through Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “I have got so much enjoyment out of my volunteering work with the RSPCA as part of the DofE and I am helping reach a goal of supporting as many animals and people as we can locally. It’s a lot of work but has helped me learn new skills and understand how meetings and committees work. I now have new admin skills I can transfer to other jobs and settings!”

Claire Sommerville, their DofE Leader at Portfield School, said: “I am extremely proud of what Alex and Celyn have achieved over the last four years, from the first day they started on Bronze as naive teenagers to the mature, bright young adults they are today. They have become true team leaders and amazing role models for the young people of Pembrokeshire.”