Students pen poetry about DofE experience in Year of Talent

The lines come from poetry created during reflective writing workshops led by young adult author Gina Blaxill, as part of the Essex County Council’s Year of Opportunity and the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme for 14 to 16-year-olds.

One poem read: "The sound of fresh running water, I see mother nature’s daughter.

"The feeling of soft grass, I want this to always last."

Another wrote: "Breaking into a sweat from the weight on my back, realising we’ve gone too far and have to turn back, Osprey backpacks everywhere, no music in ear shot."

Poetry captures silent treks and nature’s beauty in DoE reflections (Image: Essex Year of Opportunity)

The workshops were designed to give young people a creative outlet to express their experiences through poetry, stories and personal reflections.

Ms Blaxill, Essex Libraries’ author in residence, said: "I had a great time hearing what they'd learned about teamwork, resilience and themselves, which they expressed via poetry and short stories.

"Despite blisters and aching feet, the young people shared a sense of achievement and excitement.

"It was a pleasure to harness that positivity into creative writing."

The author-in-residence scheme was launched in 2024 to boost library engagement among teenagers and is part of the council’s wider Essex Year of Opportunity campaign, which promotes support, skills and progression pathways for young people.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability, said: "The Essex Year of Opportunity and events such as this, offers young people the chance to do something different and realise their potential.

"Communication is vital: by developing greater reading and writing skills young people will benefit from improved learning opportunities and career prospects."

Councillor Mark Durham, cabinet member for the arts, heritage and culture, said: "Literacy is a vital skill for our young people.

"By nurturing strong reading and writing skills we learn how to express ourselves effectively.

"These DoE participants have worked hard and learnt resilience, communication and teamworking skills."

The Essex Year of Opportunity is a year-long campaign led by Essex County Council to help residents of all ages identify and develop the skills they need to succeed.