University of the First Age

The judges looked for: young people being involved at all levels of decision making; young people being involved at all stages of project development; ease of access; opportunities are offered equally and fairly; the contribution of young people is valued and young people have the chance to evaluate the project.

Insia Ishaji, Youth Ambassador for the UFA comments: "Winning the NCVYS Young Partners Award is a huge achievement for us at the UFA and we are thrilled to have been a part of something so amazing that acknowledges the hard work of the young people we work with. The Lead Learner and YoUFA project has been a huge success and we are looking forward to watch the project develop even further. The ceremony was fantastic, full of excitement, music and an array of fantastic organisations that work with young people all with the same aim - to put young people at the heart of what they do. We're really excited about what YoUFA is doing and we're busy planning our second national youth festival - YoUFiestA, so you'll be hearing more from us!"

Celebrating this achievement, Linda Gregory, UFA Chief Executive added: "The UFA has been successfully delivering young people's leadership programmes for schools and organisations around the country and we are delighted that we have been recognised for our own commitment to working in partnership with young people in developing the UFA. "

For more information about the UFA visit www.ufa.org.uk and its very own youth site www.youfa.co.uk

photo: Young Partners Award copyright Mariam Sheikh_NCVYS_2009

For more information about this story please contact Sharon Hinds-Davis,
SHD Communications 07910 825 380 or email info@shdcommunications.com