THE new Devon Children's University was launched in Tavistock last week at an event involving more than 100 teachers, pupils and students and attended by the town's deputy mayor, Cllr Harry Smith.

The Children's University is a very successful national project which recognises the achievements of young people who take part in quality out-of-hours learning activities. These activities can be run at a school as an after-school club or may be offered by other 'Learning Destinations', such as a museum, library, sports club or tourist attraction.

The aim of the Children's University is to raise the aspirations of young people by introducing them to a wide range of learning opportunities and a love of lifelong learning.

The Children's University is essentially about providing fun, high quality learning activities to raise self-esteem, motivation and confidence of young people. These opportunities can be provided by schools or community partners such as museums, leisure services, and sports clubs.

Young people taking part in the scheme keep a 'passport' and collect stamps according to the number of hours they spend in different extra curricular activities. There are ceremonies after the children achieve 30 and 65 hours, culiminating with a 'graduation' ceremony at 100 hours.