The Gannochy Trust has kickstarted its Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) partnership for the 2023/24 academic year with an emotional and impactful YPI Final Showcase at Crieff’s Morrison’s Academy.

Six teams of S2 students presented to an audience of charity representatives, peers, families, and other members of the community.

The winning team of Jennifer, Cerys, Ava, and Rowan secured £3000 for Lighthouse for Perth. Their presentation included audience participation around mental health concerns for young people, as well as a moving video. They said:

“We are relieved and honestly exhilarated. We are so happy Lighthouse get to use this money to make things better for people. It’s opened our eyes to charity work, it has changed our stereotypes about the type of people who need charity and work for charities and made us realise what a huge difference £3000 can make.”

A second prize grant of £450 was secured for Elder Voices. The judging panel consisted of S2 students, the school’s Rector Andrew McGarva, local fundraiser Kae Tinto, and Trustee of The Gannochy Trust Ailsa Macmillan.

The Gannochy Trust was one of the first funding partners of YPI from 2011 to 2014 and supported The Wood Foundation during the programme’s launch in Perth and Kinross. It has resumed its support for the next three years and is the Community Partner for the region. Andy Duncan, CEO of The Gannochy Trust, said:

“The Gannochy Trust is delighted to be working with The Wood Foundation to support the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative across Perth and Kinross over the next three years. As well as providing much needed funding for local charities, the initiative also offers school students the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of social issues in their local community, while developing a range of key skills in the process.”

Heather Nisbet, YPI Lead Teacher at Morrison’s Academy, said:

“YPI makes a significant contribution to the curriculum at Morrison’s Academy. Through the initiative our pupils develop many valuable skills including teamwork, public speaking, and creativity. You can see the difference it makes to their self-esteem and confidence. More importantly, YPI expands our pupils’ knowledge of the social issues faced in our local community. This is often eye-opening, and pupils benefit greatly from their direct involvement with local charities.

“We are delighted that The Gannochy Trust has partnered The Wood Foundation for the next three academic years. It was fantastic to have them represented at the YPI Final Showcase. Having a further prize sponsored by The Gannochy Trust made this year’s final even more special. The group representing Elder Voice are thrilled to have the donation to their charity.” 

There are 11 schools in Perth and Kinross which undergo YPI each year, giving around 1500 young people the opportunity to advocate for social issues and charities in their communities. YPI is a unique programme of teamwork, research, and competition which empowers secondary students to be active citizens. It is managed and principally funded by The Wood Foundation who launched the programme in Scotland 15 years ago.

Lucia Giuntoli, Partnerships Manager at The Wood Foundation, said:

“We are delighted to welcome The Gannochy Trust back as a partner of YPI. Their funding support and commitment to the programme is important as we realise the opportunities to develop the programme in Perth and Kinross.”