East Dunbartonshire's Positive Achievements project recently held an awards ceremony to acknowledge the hard work of its young learners over the second half of 2018.
At the special event in Hillhead Community Centre, 34 local young people received certificates in front of family and friends, to recognise their success.
The young people took part in a range of vocational and educational programmes, including:
- An 18 week 'School Leaver' personal awareness and vocational development programme for young people aged 14-17 who are still attending school or have recently left.
- An 18 week Posi + personal awareness and vocational development programme for learners aged 16-30+ with additional support needs and/or mild to moderate learning disabilities.
- A 5 day 'Fire Skills' course in partnership with The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.
- A 4 week 'Summer Step Up' diversionary programme encouraging young people to engage in outdoor education and fun focused activities during the summer recess to prevent disengagement from learning and promote a more positive use of leisure time.
In addition to these programmes, 22 young people took part in a four day residential trip to Gartmore House, near Stirling. This outdoor education-focused trip enabled participants to develop confidence, team working and communication skills and healthy and trusting relationships with staff and peers.
Another outdoor programme involved learners in local gardening projects where they built bird boxes and carried out valuable conservation work in partnership with the Scottish Forestry Commission. For some, this resulted in a John Muir Discovery Award.
Convener of the Education Committee, Councillor Jim Goodall, paid tribute to the hard work and commitment of the young people as they received their certificates.
He said, "These young people have taken part in a wide and varied programme of learning at the Positive Achievements project and have gained qualifications and invaluable life experiences along the way.
"It is clear that they have enjoyed their time while learning and that the project is delivering a much needed and valued service.
"I'd like to offer each and every one of these young people my personal congratulations on what they have achieved and wish them well for whatever challenges they embark upon next."
The Positive Achievements project works with local young people on their vocational and personal development. Its key aim is to support targeted young people and learners from across East Dunbartonshire into sustainable destinations by accessing jobs, education, training and volunteering opportunities.
To find out more about what’s on offer at the project for 2019 and how to get involved please email positive.achievements@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 777 3099.
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