The first Harlow College students to take part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) were all buzzing with confidence at the recent award ceremony. The students we spoke to about their experience had one view in common: "NCS is FUN!".

Harlow College became involved in NCS in March 2015 and is now a delivery partner, working with local schools and offering guidance about how to get involved.

Placement Progression Officer at Harlow College, Shannon Moloney – a team leader for the College's first NCS programme – delivered a very nostalgic poem about her team members at the ceremony. "The skills the students learn are phenomenal... It's so important for young people, especially at this transitional age".

A highlight in the short and intensive three weeks was phase 1. This included a variety of adventurous activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, archery and team building.

Sports Enrichment Officer, Jack Taylor agreed to be a team leader and was astounded by the overall outcome. "I believe this was a great opportunity and students can develop themselves in an environment they have never been in. They were taken to a rural place where they were out of their comfort zone... A small community like Harlow is getting more recognition and the NCS scheme is bringing the community back together".

After hearing good reviews from her friends and seeing the presentation in College about the course, Lottie Barrett thought it was a "really good opportunity". "My favourite part was helping the Unity Church in Phase 2, and going away to do lots of activities in Phase 1".

Joshua Crafton had a really positive experience with NCS, and says he is a lot more confident now, having finished it. "I have a better view of community now and would most definitely do something like this again to benefit the community".

Overall, NCS brings people together and teaches the value of volunteering and community work. Duncan Ainge explained to us the charity events that the students organised themselves such as, Black Bush, which is an important community hub that the community helped to renovate, The Unity Church and St. Clare's Organisation. "The 42 graduates achieved more than I could have imagined".

In 2010, David Cameron announced the National Citizen Service as part of the Big Society initiative. The three-phase programme lasts over three weeks and is aimed at 16-17 year olds.

By Charlotte Langham and Ceile Brown, Level 3 Journalism students