Jennifer Walker, 27, from Edinburgh has been awarded the Queen’s Guide Award.  Jennifer who is a Leader with the 198B City of Edinburgh Guides and Fairmilehead Senior Section took on a series of personal challenges in areas such as social action, voluntary work and travel over a three and a half year period.

Jennifer is one of only 150 GirlGuiding members who receive the award each year. The three and a half year journey had Jennifer, learning French, taking her section on an international trip, completing research into maternity rights around the world and supporting a charity for bereaved parents.

Jennifer said: “I’m really proud to have achieved this award and to be able to say that I’m a Queen’s Guide.

“Working towards my award gave me so many new experiences and skills and pushed me to take on challenges I might never otherwise have tried like taking my Senior Section unit on their first international trip to Paris. While organising every detail from flights to food was a little daunting it helped me to feel more confident taking on a leading role.

“I also really enjoyed working on my social action project – researching maternity rights and support here and around the world and surveying 450 mums on their experiences. It felt great to use my voice and raise awareness around an issue that affects so many women.

“All the experiences and skills I’ve gained through doing my Queen’s Guide Award mean that I feel more confident taking the lead and offering the girls I volunteer with new opportunities and experiences too!

The award was presented to Jennifer at the House of Commons by current Paralympic cyclist Hannah Dines in a ceremony supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

To find out more about joining Girlguiding Scotland – as a young member or an adult volunteer Click Here 

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