Karen Morris: School Lead, Carmarthenshire Youth Support Service
Finalist
Karen Morris is a School Lead Youth Worker based in Ysgol Coedcae, Llanelli. Karen was nominated for leading an exciting initiative that involved collaboration with the Llanelli Young Traders Market Project. This was an early intervention learning programme delivered in partnership with Hannah Megan Thomas, a local qualified jewellery maker and designer.
The project involved young people trading in their local outdoor market, learning skills in relation to managing money, trading and being their own boss. A group of Year 7 pupils took part in the project and worked alongside Hannah Megan Thomas for 6 weeks. They designed and created jewellery, which they then sold at the market, developing their entrepreneurial skills as well as building confidence and learning to talk to customers.
The judging panel highlighted Karen’s ability to work well with a range of different partner organisations as well as clearly inspiring the young people involved. Her determination led to significant tangible, demonstrable outcomes for the young people involved.
The project was part of a wider strategy to engage and develop young trader attendance in Carmarthenshire Markets. It was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council Markets Department, Ysgol Coedcae, Llanelli Town Council, Carmarthenshire Youth Support Service, Ymlaen Llanelli, Fusion and The This Time Project, Dyfed Archeological Trust and Coleg Sirgar.