A YOUTH project manager from Carmarthen has been rewarded for her work to help young people go green.
Gayle Harris from Dr M’z won the Green Award, sponsored by Carmarthenshire County Council’s waste and recycling section, at the Radio Carmarthenshire / Scarlet FM Local Hero Awards 2013.
She was presented with the award by council Leader Kevin Madge at a special dinner at Llanelli’s Diplomat Hotel.
Gayle was nominated by her colleague Jodie Morgan who said: “Gayle is not only making the youth project a green environment but is promoting and teaching this to the future adults of Carmarthen. Without her inspirations and vision for the future these young people would not know how to keep green and look after their environment.”
Gayle rents an allotment where she teaches the young people how to grow their own fruit and vegetables which they then cook back at the project, teaching them about self-sufficiency, money-saving and healthy eating.
She has been successful in obtaining solar panels for the project to generate their own electricity and they recycle as much as they can which includes old ink cartridges and electronic items in exchange for money to go towards activities. Any leftover food goes into a wormery.
Gayle has also organised ‘swap shops’ for the young people and their families to swap items they no longer use for things they need.
After receiving the award, Gayle said: “It was a great surprise to win the Green Award. I was thrilled to be nominated, although it is a team effort and all the staff at Dr M’z work really hard to give positive messages to the young people we work with. We have always tried to develop a sustainable youth centre. I would like to thank all the staff; I’m really pleased with the award.”
Council Leader Kevin Madge said: “I am very impressed with the good work being carried out by Gayle and all the staff at the Carmarthen Youth Project. They are teaching the young people important lessons on how to live sustainably which they take with them in adulthood. I was delighted to present Gayle with the award and wish them continued success for the future.”
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