Five self-employed philanthropic professionals, calling themselves The Cotswold Collective, are getting together to offer hope in the form of The Cotswold Challenge to 17-18 year olds left in limbo because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
With this year’s ‘A’ level exams cancelled, no jobs and only virtual contact with friends allowed, the Cotswold Challenge initiative has been set up to offer would-be young entrepreneurs something creative to do and offer them the chance to excel, gain a sense of achievement and self-worth and maybe win a monetary prize.
The Challenge has been divided into three categories Art & Design; Creative Writing and Innovation & Entrepreneurial thinking, with a first, second and third prize in each category of £500, £200, £100. Online entry packs will be available shortly for 17-18 year old students in the local area. Entries will be judged by a team of well-known, celebrity artists.
One of the team, Barry Jackson, Founder/Director of Aspire Academy and a Chamber Member said: “It was a privilege to be invited to put The Challenge together. We had no idea how the initiative would be received, but entries are already coming in and The Challenge went live only a few days ago. Sponsorship has exceeded all expectations.”