Silver Surfers tutor Luke Jenkins has been shortlisted for a South Wales Evening Post Pride Award – Community Champion. The award ceremony takes place this Friday!

Article from South Wales Evening Post, Wednesday 9th March 2011

Teen mentor’s a class act

NOT many youngsters would give up their spare time to go back to school and mentor others.

But 17-year-old Luke Jenkins, of Mayfield Street, Port Talbot, does just that.

He plays an active role in weekly Silver Surfers sessions at Glan Afan Comprehensive School – a group that offers senior citizens a chance to learn new computer skills and teaches them how to navigate the internet.

He was nominated by Elizabeth Jenkins, of Gordon Crescent, Sandfields, who described him as a hardworking and determined individual.

She said “Luke is setting an excellent example to other young people in the community.

“He should win the award because of all the hard work and his determination to make the group a success.”

Luke has been involved in the group since it started in 2007 and has helped it grow.

The class has even won numerous awards for its work, thanks to Luke and his band of volunteers.

During the sessions, the Silver Surfers are taught how to use a mouse and keyboard, how to write letters, create greetings cards, send emails, find old friends on Facebook, shop on the web, read the news, and gain confidence in using the computer alone.

Last year Silver Surfers celebrated striking gold after it was awarded a £1,468 National Lottery grant.

“Luke helped us gain money from the Big Lottery Fund, which was used to purchase new equipment for the group,” Mrs Jenkins said.

“Although now a student at Neath College, Luke comes back to the school every week to overlook the sessions. He is the course co-ordinator and prepares lesson plans and keeps the website up to date.”

The free clases attract an average of 20 senior citizens every week and are run by pupil mentors who give up their time to pass on their computer skills.

In December, Luke was crowned the Llandarcy Harvester’s ring Out The Best Award winner – a search to find inspirational people in the community.

The teenager also helps to raise money for various charities throughout the year with the Silver Surfers group by holding various fundraising events.

UPDATE: Luke narrowly missed out on the Evening Post Pride Award for the ‘Community Champion’ category.