Pupils from six East Dunbartonshire Secondary Schools joined more than 1,000 other pupils from across Scotland at Perth Concert Hall to celebrate an incredible year of the Youth & Philanthropy Initiative – YPI Scotland.
The event, hosted by The Wood Foundation who launched YPI Scotland in 2008, was a celebration of all that has been achieved through the programme during the 2016/17 academic year.
Dame Katherine Grainger, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian delivered the headline keynote and the event showcased student highlights from across the country. There were also powerful on stage interviews and live entertainment from up and coming young Scottish musicians.
During the 2016/17 academic year, 207 Scottish secondary schools took part in YPI. This represents in excess of 26,500 participating students who have collectively awarded in excess of £600,000 to small local Scottish charities this year alone. With over £2.5 million awarded through YPI since 2008, there are few better examples of youth action at such scale in Scotland. This event brings together the winning YPI teams from every participating school and profiles how young people are making a difference within their local community as a result of YPI.
The six schools from East Dunbartonshire who took part in the programme raised a total of £18,000 for their winning local charities. They are listed below:
Schools/Charity
|
No. |
School |
Charity |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Bishopbriggs Academy |
Cathleen’s Cabin |
|
2 |
Boclair Academy |
Touched By Suicide Scotland |
|
3 |
Douglas Academy |
Milngavie Old Peoples’ Welfare Committee |
|
4 |
Kirkintilloch High School |
East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action Befriending Service |
|
5 |
Lenzie Academy |
Indepen-Dance (Scotland) |
|
6 |
Turnbull High School |
East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid |
Sir Ian Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation said:
“YPI is one of The Wood Foundation’s most exciting programmes, so often a young person’s first experience of philanthropy, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore the big social issues on their doorstep and advocate passionately on behalf the charities they visit.
“YPI provides the opportunity for young people to work closely as teams, leave the four walls of the classroom behind and partner local charities of their choosing, experiencing a significant mind-set change and enhanced understanding around the challenges faced within their own communities. The fact that so many young people continue afterwards to volunteer or fundraise for their chosen charity, is testament to the strength of their experience. We are very proud of the YPI programme, and recognise the very significant commitment that every participating school undertakes to deliver the programme and empower their students.”
“Our annual YPI Scotland National Event celebrates all that has been achieved over the last 12 months. We are delighted that Dame Katherine Grainger, the UK’s greatest ever female Olympian, who does so much for charity and philanthropy, was our keynote speaker and shared in the festivities.”
East Dunbartonshire Council’s Education Convener, Councillor Mohrag Fischer added, “This programme gives young people a wonderful opportunity to spread their wings beyond school and gain valuable experience while raising money for worthwhile charities.
“Well done to everyone who was involved over the last year to raise the tremendous amount of £18,000 for local good causes. Our partnership with this initiative has gone from strength to strength and I am delighted that East Dunbartonshire has been so well represented at this national event.”
Other highlights on the day included guest input from: Corinne Hutton, quadruple amputee and founder of charity Finding Your Feet; Ciara Harvie, Scottish mezzo-soprano singer who’s tipped for big things following her star performance on The Voice UK; and Calum MacKenzie Jones, North East singer songwriter recently showcased by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 who’s debut album will be released in late June.