Young people will be responsible for securing £120,000 for charities across Scotland this festive season.
Forty Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Final Showcases are taking place in December. One team from each school will secure £3000 for its chosen charity.
YPI, a programme managed and majority funded by The Wood Foundation, is the biggest independent programme being delivered through the Scottish secondary curriculum.
Ali MacLachlan, UK Director at The Wood Foundation, said:
“For many schools, the winter term is the perfect time to complete the final stage of the official YPI programme. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for charities doing great work in their communities, and for young people to really explore and understand the challenges and opportunities on their doorstep.
“We are delighted to be empowering this season of philanthropic giving.”
David Gibson of West Lothian’s S.M.I.L.E Counselling added:
“YPI allows us to reach out to schools and communities to get people talking about mental health and the difficulties young people struggle with. It helps break down the stigma and makes talking about our mental health possible, so young people are not struggling in silence. It is a pleasure and privilege to go to schools and talk about our service and be chosen as their represented charity. We are very fortunate to be considered, to be awarded funds, and this emphasises the passion our young people have about their own mental health and willingness to seek support.”
Jamie from Dumfries High School recently secured a grant, alongside his teammates, for the local branch of SANDS. He said:
“Winning YPI and securing funds for a charity very close to me and my family’s heart was amazing. Knowing that the money was going to a charity like SANDS that help support families grieving the loss of a baby was great.”
YPI is active in 280 of Scotland’s secondary school, engaging entire year groups in teamwork, creativity, and competition to understand and represent issues which matter to them in their communities.
