Some would say they’ve been let off the hook but youngsters have been learning to fish as part of a scheme to keep them out of trouble.
Eight youngsters from Caerphilly County Borough have successfully completed a National Open College Network course in fishing as part of the scheme.
Youth workers from Caerphilly County Borough Council have been working with the youngsters on the ‘Inclusion with Angling’ scheme.
The former troublemakers have been learning to fish as a means of keeping them on the straight and narrow and have all been presented with their certificates.
Councillor Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment said: “This initiative was an excellent means of engaging with young people and providing them with alternative activities to take part in, as well as encouraging them to learn valuable skills and discouraging them from taking part in anti-social behaviour.”
The 13-week course, held at Cefn Mably Lakes near Rudry, is split in two parts. In the morning the teens are given lessons in English, Maths and Science before heading out to the lake to cast their nets.
The scheme is funded by the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership.
Cllr Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education and leisure said: “Our team of youth workers have worked with these eight youngsters throughout the duration of this project to emphasise to them that their previous behaviour was not acceptable and was having a serious adverse effect on their local communities.”
One of the teenagers who took part in the scheme said: “I have really enjoyed the whole course and have learned so much, not just about English and maths but also about the environment and wildlife – I would definitely recommend it to anyone.”
The ‘Inclusion through Angling’ scheme was set up in 2007 by Luke Richards, who combined his career with his love for angling to create a fishing school to help youngsters improve their skills in English, Maths and Science while working to achieve recognised qualifications by learning in the great outdoors.
For more information visit www.inclusionthroughangling.co.uk