A crash course in Polish and team-building in the Highlands prepared ten young Southsiders for a trip to Poland as part of the Prince’s Trust European Team Challenge. The group will work at a reconstructed medieval village in Wroclaw, a tourist attraction where all the residents are in medieval costume and live in the way people did in those times. They will do practical restoration work and pass on new skills to local school children.

Before they set off, the team went bag packing in sponsoring supermarkets at Asda Govan and Somerfield in Victoria Road.

Constable Andy Macdonald, a Community Police officer based in Gorbals will be the group leader along with Christine Kelly from the Prince’s Trust. They will be assisted by Ben McNeill who has ‘come through’ the Prince’s Trust himself and is now setting up his own photograph and film business. ‘My main role is to make a visual record of the trip,’ explained Ben. ‘I can relate to these young people as I’ve got a similar background myself and found the Prince’s Trust a fantastic experience.’

Said Gorbals-based Zarajane Clark (18), ‘I’m looking for a job as a youth worker here and this trip to Poland is a good way for me to get into the field. I was ecstatic to be chosen.’ Added James Devine (24). ‘I enjoy working with kids and help run football teams in Govanhill. It was through my local Councillor, Anne Marie Millar, that I heard about the Prince’s Trust. I’ve been unemployed for two years and this is an opportunity for me to show my skills and help me set up my own business.’

Constable Macdonald, who helped select the volunteers, told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘Through the experience and training gained, the group will enhance their contribution to Govanhill and the surrounding area as well as have an impact on the community they will work with in Poland. This is also a practical way for Strathclyde Police to improve links with local young people and help break down any perceived barriers.’

Govanhill is one of three areas in the UK selected for the European Team Challenge which has been running for two years. It was chosen because of its diverse population and is an area of high deprivation.

Ken Imrie, Glasgow Area Manager for the Prince’s Trust Scotland said, ‘We are delighted that Strathclyde Police have become involved. Constable Macdonald is a welcome addition to the team and we hope that we will be able to continue to work in partnership in the future.’