Pupils from Knightswood Secondary School secured £3000 for a charity which supports training and employment for prisoners and ex-prisoners.

Lucie, Cara, Hayley, and Zarah focussed on the social issues impacting prisoners and how Open Gates positively tackles the potential of reoffending through offering positive pathways and experiences.

Five teams of S1 pupils took part in Knightwood’s Youth and Philanthropy (YPI) Final Showcase, supported by YPI’s local funding partner Scottish Equity Partners (SEP).

Lucie, Cara, Hayley and Zarah said:

“We enjoyed meeting lots of different charities and it was really interesting finding out what they did to help people in our local area. We are also really happy that we were able to help Open Gates and it’s great to know that we’ve made a difference. We loved phoning Pat and telling him that we won the money for his charity!”

Cheryl Martin of SEP, added:

“It was great to see the young people engaged and advocating for their chosen charities. They were enthusiastic about making a real difference in their local community and continuing their relationships with the charities.”

SEP has supported YPI in Glasgow for six years, granting funds to reach charities which local young people are passionate about.

Josh Oakes, Faculty Head Humanities at Knightswood Secondary School, said:

“This was the first time that we have decided to run the YPI programme with our S1s and we’ve seen really positive engagement levels from our pupils. Our pupils were fantastic throughout and have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Thanks to all staff, young people and the charities who took part.”

Pat Clark of Open Gates added:

“I was humbled that these young folk got it, they understood what we are trying to do and they wanted to back us with this award. So, it is a big thank you to the pupils at Knightswood school, and for YPI putting up this format so that school children can think out of the box and have a genuine interest on a subject that interested them.”

The other finalist charities at the event held in the school’s auditorium were included Refuweegee, StreetVet, and FARE.

YPI, which is managed and majority funded by The Wood Foundation, is an active citizenship programme which empowers young people to make a difference in their community. Through teamwork, research, creativity, and competition, one group from each school secures £3000 for the charity they have advocated on behalf of. More than 280 schools and 39,000 young people in Scotland take part in the initiative each year.