To celebrate International Volunteer Day (December 5), a Dame Allan's Schools pupil has shared what it means to her to help others.

Year 12 pupil Megan Forbes, aged 17, has been volunteering at her former primary school in Allendale, Northumberland.

She currently studies History, Maths and Politics at A Level.

Miss Forbes said: "It's great to go back to my old school, see the teachers that once taught me and help the pupils learn in the same way I remember when older volunteers helped me.

"I feel like I'm giving something back to the community that's been so important to my family over the years."

In a break from routine, over the summer Miss Forbes also lent her time to a school in Eswatini, South Africa.

Hexham Courant: Dame Allen's sixth form volunteers, back (L-R) Megan, Arwen, Maya. Front (L-R) Arta, Aaron, ShizeyDame Allen's sixth form volunteers, back (L-R) Megan, Arwen, Maya. Front (L-R) Arta, Aaron, Shizey (Image: Contributor)

She reflected on this valuable period abroad and said: "It's been heartening to see that no matter where you are in the world, young children are so similar... they are happy and eager to learn!

"Working at Allendale Primary School is, of course, an entirely different experience to the school in Eswatini, but it is still great to see that when you volunteer and help it can make a real difference to others."

At Dame Allan's Schools, 27 older students are participating in a co-curricular community service programme.

The initiative offers a chance for students to gain vital work experience while contributing to their local communities.

The school's careers service collaborates with multiple volunteering partners, encompassing primary schools and charities, though pupils are encouraged to source placements that align with their individual interests.

School Principal, Will Scott, expressed the value of such engagements.

Mr Scott said: "Having a sense of community is at the heart of Dame Allan's Schools' ethos and gives our pupils a feeling of belonging and of purpose.

"Every year, our Sixth Form pupils find deep fulfilment in the volunteer work they carry out in the community.

"Their good deeds not only give them a healthy sense of accomplishment but provide them with transferable skills that will serve them well in their lives and careers.

"The Schools feel a huge sense of pride in the time our pupils selflessly give to others and year after year we feel encouraged by the healthy numbers of pupils wanting to volunteer."