Royal Visitor Welcomed to SERC

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Lisburn Campus on Monday (23 June 2025), where he met students doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). His Royal Highness chatted to students as they demonstrated activities that they have engaged in for their Volunteering and Skills sections, including learning circus skills and creating a board games club. The students, who are based on SERC Campuses in Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards, have also volunteered with local wildlife conservation group, True Harvest Seeds, collaborated with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on Food Waste Action Week, and created dog tug toys for the RSPCA, as part of their Award efforts. 

The Duke was welcomed to SERC Lisburn Campus by Chair of the Governing Body, John Nugent, and Principal and CEO Tommy Martin.  

Speaking after the visit, Tommy Martin said: “We were immensely proud to introduce to His Royal Highness some of our amazing students who are working hard and embracing challenges to achieve their DofE and Gaisce Awards. The DofE and the Joint Award Initiative, which we facilitate at SERC, reflects our approach to education through project-based learning - developing skills for real life which will serve our students well in years to come. 

"Many of these students displaying their achievements today have specific barriers to learning, and the experience offered by the Award scheme represents a great opportunity for personal growth, allowing participants to reach and often exceed their individual goals. I know they were delighted to showcase their work to The Duke today.”   

Among the VIP guests were the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, David McCorkell, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, as well as representatives of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Scheme and the Department for the Economy NI. 

Ten SERC students have achieved their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards this year, and another 38 students are currently working towards the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's/Gaisce Awards.  

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