Alongside the Year of Young People 2018 activity, nine young champions have been announced as Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors for East Dunbartonshire.
In addition to the new ambassadors, it has been announced that over twenty events have been funded across Scotland through Create18 so far (Jan-June), a funding programme administered by young people, on behalf of EventScotland, for young event organisers.
Earlier this week the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced a major programme of events and activities which will take place next year. A global first, the Year of Young People 2018 will provide a platform to showcase the personalities, talents and achievements of Scotland’s young people. In addition, it will strengthen young people’s voices and give them an opportunity to directly influence policy and decision making on issues which affect their lives.
The Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors have been selected to promote the incredible opportunities on offer to young Scots in East Dunbartonshire.
The ambassadors for East Dunbartonshire are:
- Sam Albrow, 12
- Bethan Chalmers, 17
- Erin Gillen, 15
- Stephen Emordy, 15
- Connor Emordy, 14
- Chloe Emordy, 13
- Ben Emordy, 13
- Caitlin Forrest, 24
- Kayla McCandlish, 14
All the ambassadors from East Dunbartonshire, will be involved in making sure that young people and organisations in their communities know about Year of Young People 2018 activities, while getting involved in projects with local authority and other partners. They’ll also encourage their peers and older generations to challenge negative stereotypes of young people within communities.
Young people from East Dunbartonshire have also been successful in the first round of Create18. Through Create18, a number of events will be held for the whole community.
Young people in East Dunbartonshire are also being encouraged to apply for the next round of Create18 funding by 22nd January 2018, for events taking place between July and December.
Children in Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament and Young Scot have recruited more than 500 Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors across the country, including nine Ambassadors in East Dunbartonshire. More ambassadors are set to be announced towards the end of 2017.
Convener of Education at East Dunbartonshire Council, Cllr Mohrag Fischer, said, “We are very proud of the young people living in East Dunbartonshire and it is great to hear that nine of them have been chosen to be involved in the Year of the Young People 2018. I am confident that our ambassadors will fulfil their roles to the best of their ability, shaping policy that will affect their lives and those of their peers, whilst bringing a wealth of talent and positive energy to the events programme.”
Cllr Fischer continued, “I would encourage young people in East Dunbartonshire who have great ideas for organising a memorable event in their community, to apply for the next round of Create18 funding before 22 January 2018. I am sure that everyone who gets involved in Year of the Young People 2018, whether as an ambassador, an event organiser or a participant, will find it a most rewarding experience.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland's Director of Events, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 with a year-long programme of events that will celebrate our amazing young talent and provide opportunities for young people to express themselves through culture, sport and a wide range of other activities.
“As part of the nation-wide programme of events, Create18 provides a fantastic and unique opportunity for young people to shine throughout 2018 by hosting their own local events. The events will put young people in the driving seat, celebrating their creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit as well as bringing Scotland’s Year of Young People straight to the heart of communities across the country.”
Jackie Brock, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, said: "The aims of the Year of Young People 2018 - encouraging young people to become leaders within their communities and beyond, and supporting them to benefit from new opportunities, are key to our values and our collaboration with Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament. We are delighted to support YOYP2018 and look forward to the coming year.”
Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 will celebrate our outstanding young people on the global stage. Its packed programme of incredible opportunities will inspire the whole country, showcase the incredible achievements of young Scots and open doors to new experiences. Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors in East Dunbartonshire are our local champions – telling everyone about the brilliant work taking place in their communities and challenging everyone to do something to celebrate.”
For more information about the Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors and the Create18 Fund, visit: young.scot/yoyp2018.
Organisations interested in getting involved in Year of Young People 2018 activities should visit: yoyp2018.scot
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