Legendary Gurkhas to Visit Youth On Life-Affirming Course

Legendary Gurkhas to Visit Youth On Life-Affirming Course

Soldiers from B (Sari Bari) Company 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles (1RGR) will visit youth taking part in the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course in Trentham tomorrow.

Personnel from 1RGR are in the country to celebrate their 100th anniversary alongside Kiwi communities over the Anzac period. More than 55 soldiers from the Company will be in New Zealand attending commemorations and taking part in community events over the period of 14-29 April.

“Members of B Company are greatly honoured to be selected to represent the British Army at the Commemorations in New Zealand as 100 years ago my company fought alongside our Kiwi brothers at Gallipoli. 100 years on we are proud to once again share our experiences with our New Zealand Brother’s in Arms at such an important event,” stated Major Mark Shields, Officer Commanding of the contingent.

The LSV program is run by the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) on behalf of Work and Income and is funded by the Ministry of Social Development. LSV is a six-week residential course providing life skills to unemployed young people between the ages of 17-25.

Trainees have little free time during the six-week course. The trainees undergo a program of intensive lectures, workshops and physical activities designed to develop core values of respect, team work, and trust to boost self confidence and self esteem. All LSV activities are geared at assisting those on the course to confidently and skillfully enter the work force and to arm them with life skills for the future.

Commanding Officer of the Youth Development Unit (YDU), Lieutenant Colonel Helen Cooper says: “Having 1RGR visit will be a highlight for many trainees during their six weeks with YDU. Not only have they been immersed within the Defence environment developing skills for employment but they will also experience a different military culture. Both are examples of team work and dedication.”

The Defence Section of the British High Commission are keen supporters of the LSV scheme having employed three graduates of the course as interns within the section.

Media are invited to attend the visit on Friday. To register your interest please utilise the contact details at the bottom of this advisory.

WHAT: 1RGR Gurkha Rifles visit to LSV course.

WHEN: Friday, 17th April. 12pm – 2pm.

WHERE: CIT Building car park off Somme Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt

ENDS

© Scoop Media