ONE hundred and fifty Glasgow youngsters have completed an outward bound course with the help of funding from ScottishPower.
The pupils will take part in a celebration of achievement ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers on 26th April 2010 to highlight their outstanding accomplishments on the course.
Funding from ScottishPower saw the company work in partnership with Glasgow City Council Education Services to provide pupils the opportunity to take part in a week long outward bound course.
The course was delivered through the Outward Bound Trust’s ‘Widening Horizons’ programme.
Each week, over a three week period, groups of 50 youngsters, made up of ten pupils from each of the five schools involved, headed to Loch Eil near Fort William to take part in the programme. Lochend Community High, Smithycroft Secondary, Cleveden Secondary, All Saints Secondary and Bellahouston Academy were all involved with the outward bound training.
Two graduate trainees from ScottishPower also took part in the course as volunteer assistant instructors.
Phil Duffield, community liaison manager at ScottishPower, works with projects in the local communities that ScottishPower invests in.
He said:
“ScottishPower has supported the Outward Bound Trust since 1996, and we have a long history of investing in the communities in which we operate. Through our community engagement initiatives and education programmes, we have supported the development of over 18,500 young people in terms of building their confidence, developing their skills and increasing their employability prospects.
“The programme is perfect for ScottishPower to continue its commitment to the communities in which we are based. The project helped young people to develop ‘real life’ skills in a challenging and unique way by taking them out of their comfort zone, giving them the opportunity to push their own personal boundaries and enabling them to show what they are capable of achieving.
“I would like to congratulate all the young people who took part in the course with so much energy and enthusiasm. I am sure they will remember this experience for many years.”
Jamie Rae, ScottishPower graduate and volunteer assistant instructor, said: “The programme represented an excellent opportunity to get involved in one of the many community projects that ScottishPower is involved in.
“I believe the experience gained from the course will be invaluable to all those who took part as they continue through their education and into employment.”
Councillor Paul Rooney, executive member for Education at Glasgow City Council, said: “Outdoor education is an important element of any child’s education and we welcome ScottishPower’s support with the Outward Bound Trust’s Widening Horizons programme.
“The young people that participate in these courses gain valuable team working and problem solving skills, build their confidence levels and learn how to deal with new and unusual situations, not to mention the exciting chance to meet new people and try new activities.
“The celebration event in the City Chambers is a chance to highlight the achievements of the young people and for everyone to get together to again.”
ENDS
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of ScottishPower.
For more information please contact:
Susanne Grant on 0141 333 9585 / 07824 388 472 susanne.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
- ScottishPower provides employability training for young, disadvantaged people in our local communities through programmes in three distinct areas – school, community and work based.
- Since 1996, its programmes have helped over 18,500 young people. The positive, long term impact of ScottishPower’s work was recognised in July 2007 with a Silver Jubilee Award from Business in the Community, as well as several Big Ticks across its range of programmes.
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Contact: Susanne Grant
Phone: 0141 333 9585
Email: susanne.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk
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