Case study

Egypt Centre Swansea

A battling teenager has overcome a brain tumour and a string of operations to become Swansea's first Youth University Gold Award winner.

Adam Croucher, 16, who has just finished his final year at Daniel James Community School, won the prestigious award after putting in over 600 hours at the Egypt Centre at Swansea University.

It's a remarkable achievement for Adam who was born with a brain tumour with its treatment affecting a large part of the right side of his brain.

He has endured multiple operations throughout his life but it hasn't held him back.

The Children's University is a national accreditation system co-ordinated by Swansea Council's Regeneration Department. The aim is to reward out-of-school hours learning for young people between five and 19-years-old. It rewards participation and commitment in activities as diverse as Bollywood dancing and surfing.

Adam, who is a talented musician, was performing with the Hemiola young musicians group when he discovered the Egypt Centre.

He said, 'We were performing in the Taliesin, which is right next door to the Egypt Centre, and went in to have a look at what was there. Things went from there really. I enjoy working there on Saturdays and sometimes go in during the week, basically checking the objects and artefacts are in good condition and explaining what they are to visitors, who sometimes come from all over the world. It was nerve-wracking at first but it has helped me gain confidence'.

This year's award ceremony at Swansea Metropolitan University saw 300 recipients from 17 schools and seven community groups gaining bronze, silver and gold awards.

Paul Davies, Children's University Co-ordinator at Daniel James Community School, said, 'It's been a pleasure to see all of the work that goes on outside of school that I would never have known about if it were not for the Children and Youth University Scheme. Adam is a real example to others. He's shown that with dedication and hard work you can achieve what ever you set out to achieve no matter what the boundaries. All of the staff here are really proud of Adam and wish him well and future success now that he is leaving us'.

Wendy Goodridge, Assistant Curator of the Egypt Centre, where Adam gained his credits, said, 'Adam is an enthusiastic volunteer who acts as a mentor to younger children and is extremely dedicated.'

Alan Robinson, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for community regeneration, said, 'This shows just how well the initiative is growing in Swansea as 3,600 children and young people have already gained credits for their activities though the Children's University'.

Reproduced with the permission of the City and County of Swansea website.