Mike Gaffney, Bursary Award Chairman and Vocational & Youth Committee member tells us the story behind his mission to support the youth of Rainhill with Bursaries:

"My idea was to recognise youth in our community who had ‘achieved through adversity’. I was inspired by my grand-daughter receiving a Bursary Award from her school (thanks to a Benefactor’s Fund allocated from a Foundation dedicated ‘only to children who had suffered in some form or other and shown resolve and determination to overcome difficulties to progress’). The award was ostensibly a monetary one.

I decided to contact schools in our community asking for their views (and subsequently nominations). I asked my club for a budget of £10,000 over 5 years from club funds; I outlined my ideas (which were greeted enthusiastically), and they agreed. I sought no publicity for our club unless that was agreed with the recipient or family. (Bursary awards and recipients can be of a very sensitive nature.) My aim was to strengthen and develop the links between youth, community and Rainhill Rotary�discretion, empathy, understanding, flexibility being the watchwords.

Above all the award would need to be flexible, with the recipient foremost in our thoughts. It would totally focus on the needs and wishes of the Bursary award winner and their family. It could be a monetary award or equally might not be. It could be combined with a medal or a certificate, or may not require any. I decided to design a medal...something that could be either put in a pocket or displayed.

The Bursary Award started three years ago. The Vocational & Youth Committee discuss nominations, decide, present and recommend to Club. Up to the end of the third year, we had spent just under £6,000. We have given out 44 medals. We have bought specialist computers; supported end of term adventure holiday trips; handed out vouchers for Amazon, sports, writing & painting equipment�and much more; always trying to provide something appropriate to individual needs. There is no minimum. Sometimes a medal is enough. Sometimes we need to spend £500 rather than £50...it is very flexible.

The project goes from strength to strength as we continue to cement the bond between Rainhill Rotary and the youth in our community. No fuss. No fanfare. No focus on openly seeking publicity. If it is desired and appropriate that is fine, but it is not expected.

We continue to build on our partnerships...our schools certainly know us, and we, in turn, learn more about them without overcrowding their already busy curricular programmes. I like to think we complement our schools’ efforts and share their community aims.

In conclusion: the future for the award in our Club looks promising, with 4 recipients already since July...4 young citizens who have achieved, despite difficulties, and they know (just like the schools) that Rainhill Rotary are there, active and caring in their community."