The Egypt Centre ‘Nubies’ (named after the ancient Egyptian god Anubis) were nominated for their fantastic work as gallery assistants, helping the public to experience ancient Egypt and the museum’s collection in a new and exciting way! The young volunteers run the museum on a Saturday, without adult intervention bringing life and energy to the museum, and this is reflected again and again in the visitor’s experience.

The Nubie programme has been running for over 16 years and in that time over 250 children have become child volunteers. The young people come from all over South and West Wales, some travelling over 50 miles to attend. The programme is so popular there is a waiting list for places !

One of the reasons the museum was nominated was due to its unique nature in using young people of all backgrounds to run the museum.

Only this month a Welsh Government report ‘Culture and Poverty: Harnessing the power of the arts, culture and heritage to promote social justice in Wales’:  cited the Egypt Centre as being rare in the UK in that it has a child volunteer scheme involving children of wide abilities, ethnic groups and social and economical backgrounds. The report applauded the Egypt Centre’s Saturday workshops which are run by young volunteers and targeted at socially and economically disadvantaged children.  

Syd Howells, Volunteer Manager, says, “We are particularly proud of our young volunteers at the Egypt Centre and the way they contribute their time to the museum and the promotion of ancient Egypt to the wider community. The Egypt Centre is run by our young volunteers on a Saturday and we feel this empowers them and sends out a positive message. The fact the Diana Award has recognised them yet again is just reward for their commitment and enthusiasm.”

The Diana Award was founded in 1999 by the UK government to act as a lasting legacy to Diana Princess of Wales’ belief in the power of young people to change the world. The award encourages exceptional young people, like the Egypt centre volunteers, to build a better society for all!

The full list of young volunteers:  Alanna Thomas, Alex Lambert, Alexandria Voyce, Amira Rabab, Cerys Thomson, Daniel Williams, Ellen Land, Ewan Forrest, Ryan Hassan, Isobel Stead, Jessica Cullen, Jordan Hawkes, Kimberley Coughlan, Liam Hassan, Owain Brooks, Rebecca Dodds, Rhodri Protheroe-Jones, Thomas Clarke, William Nedin. 

• The Diana Award is presented to inspirational young people from all circumstances and sections of society, who are committed to taking social action, whether they work as volunteers, fundraisers, campaigners or carers or anyone who improves their community. Every Award Holder has demonstrated the qualities associated with the late Princess - compassion and a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others. For more information visit: http://diana-award.org.uk
  
  
•  The Egypt Centre, Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, situated at the Swansea University officially opened in 1998.  The museum is open Tuesday to Saturdays 10am-4.00pm and is free to the public.  The collection comprises over 4500 objects largely from the pharmacist Sir Henry Wellcome collection (1853-1936).  The Egyptian material largely covers the period c.100,000 B.C. - A.D. 500 in two galleries and includes jewellery dating from the time of Tutankhamun, weapons, a mummified crocodile and much, much more. There are lots of hands on activities for children and adults alike, the most popular of which is the dummy mummy. For more information visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/egypt

Picture: The names of the Egypt Centre young “Nubies” collecting their winners certificates are : L-R Amira Rabab; Isobel Stead; Rhodri Protheroe-Jones; Thomas Clarke.