Kirkwall Grammar School has celebrated ten years of taking part in a national youth programme that empowers pupils to support local charities.
This year’s Youth and Philanthropy Initiative final saw third year pupils Tara Thomas and Ella MacGregor secure a £3,000 grant for the Orkney charity The Peedie Retreat.
The award brings the total raised for charities through the programme at Kirkwall Grammar School to £30,000 over the past decade.
The pupils’ presentation focused on the impact of serious illnesses including cancer, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease across Orkney.
They highlighted the importance of respite facilities and the difference they can make to the quality of life for individuals and families facing long term health challenges.
The £3,000 grant will help The Peedie Retreat move closer to its fundraising target of £14,500.
The charity plans to use the funding to provide indoor and outdoor toys for residents and families staying at the retreat.
The final was judged by a panel including Lizbeth Paul, Director of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, Clare Gee from Voluntary Action Orkney, Stephen Hagan from the Orkney Fund, Evie McGowan from Radio Orkney, and Amy Watt, a supply teacher at the school.
Fourth year pupils from last year’s winning team also joined the judging panel.
Other charities represented during the final included Women’s Aid Orkney, Soma’s Light, Orkney Charitable Trust, ORSAS and Age Scotland Orkney.
Lisa Greenwell from Kirkwall Grammar School praised the effort and dedication shown by the pupils.
“S3 pupils selected issues they care about and have highlighted a wide range of social issues spanning from domestic abuse, age related issues, battles with disease, suicide and poverty.
“They then researched and selected charities they believe are addressing these issues.
“I was deeply impressed with the amount of thought, creativity and time the pupils put into their research and preparing their presentations.”
Lizbeth Paul, Director of YPI, said the pupils delivered a powerful final.
“The young people at Kirkwall Grammar School delivered a packed final, advocating well for local charities that make a difference across a wide spectrum of social issues, it was a privilege to be able to attend and to present the £3,000 on behalf of YPI.
“YPI is the largest independent programme delivered through Scottish education, empowering tens of thousands of young people each year to make a difference in their communities.
“Through teamwork, research and competition, young people advocate for social issues in their local areas in a bid to secure a £3,000 grant.”
Alasdair Harvey, Depute Headteacher at Kirkwall Grammar School, said the programme has become an important part of the school’s curriculum.
“KGS has been involved with YPI for 10 years, and in that time, we’ve been proud to help contribute £30,000 to local charities.
“The most rewarding part of our involvement has been giving every pupil the chance to learn about the incredible work of our local third sector.
“That awareness will stay with them as they move into adulthood, strengthening understanding and support within our wider community.”
The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative operates in 280 secondary schools across Scotland and has involved more than 390,000 young people since it launched in 2008.
The programme is delivered by The Wood Foundation and has helped direct more than £8.5 million to charities across the country.
Garreth Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation, said:
“Congratulations to Kirkwall Grammar School for winning the YPI grant for The Peedie Retreat.
“The Wood Foundation is proud to provide a platform that empowers young people to explore complex social issues, develop their confidence, and find their voice.
“Whether or not they secure the funds, every pupil gains valuable insight into their community and has the opportunity to champion a cause they care about.”
