Sixty four pupils from eight secondary schools will take part in an outdoor personal development programme thanks to a lump sum award of £23,398 from the FlightPath Fund.
The pupils, drawn from schools across Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, will take part in Venture Scotland’s Etive Awards outdoor-based personal development programme next year.
The programme will take place throughout 2019 and includes activity days at either Pollok Country Park or West Kilbride beach, rock climbing at Neilston Quarry, a three-day residential stay at a bothy based in the Borders and one-to-one sessions to help alleviate any challenges and issues faced by those pupils taking part.
Schools with pupils from the most deprived neighbourhoods will be offered the opportunity to take part in the programme, ensuring those most in need will benefit.
George McConnachie, Glasgow Programme Manager for Venture Scotland, said: “This funding allows us to specifically target pupils from the most vulnerable backgrounds and have an impact which is potentially life-changing for those involved. Our programme is aimed at those dealing with a range of complex issues who struggle in a classroom setting or are at risk of disengaging completely from formal education.
“Thanks to Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund, those young people now have the chance to gain an accredited qualification whilst developing their skills and self-confidence.”
FlightPath Fund Chair Archie Hunter said: “Venture Scotland has built a strong reputation for delivering powerful and effective personal development programmes for some of the most socially and economically disadvantaged young people in the country.
“The charity’s skilled staff and volunteers have helped thousands of young people to escape poverty, overcome the challenges they face to turn their lives around and to maximise their opportunities.
“We were very impressed with the charity’s application, particularly as it will offer this unique outdoor programme to 64 pupils at 8 schools based in the four local authority areas the FlightPath Fund serves.
“This award to Venture Scotland tops off what has been an absolutely tremendous year for the FlightPath Fund and the many local charities and community groups it has supported in 2018.”
In September this year the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund announced plans to award the £25,000 lump sum to one charity or organisation from Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire.
With the inclusion of the award made to Venture Scotland, the airport’s FlightPath Fund has awarded an impressive £165,000 in support to more than 80 local groups and charities across Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire.
The dates for next year’s FlightPath Fund meetings are now available on the FlightPath Fund section of this website. To find out more about applying for funding support, visit: www.glasgowairport.com/community