Celebrating Young People in Ross and Cromarty
Councillors have commended the work being done to mark the Year of Young People in Ross and Cromarty.
The Year of Young People 2018 is an opportunity for generations to come together and celebrate young people. It is a platform for those aged between 8 and 26 to give them a stronger voice on issues which affect them and the chance to showcase their ideas and talents.
At today's Ross and Cromarty Area Committee two pupils from Alness Academy- Mollie McGoran and Razannah Hussain –gave a presentation to councillors on their role as Young Scot Communic18 representatives where they expressed the views and priorities of our young people and explained some of the work they have been doing across Scotland. Their work has included speaking to large organisations such as NHS, members of the royal family and local and national politicians to discuss the priorities of highland young people. They also volunteered to create a play scheme for the younger children in their communities and have taken part in many more events to help spread their message.
Razannah said: “We do this volunteering because we want to give back to our communities and give those who are younger than us better opportunities for the future. We genuinely care about where we’re from and the people around us.”
Mollie added: “As a participant in Rock Challenge, I have seen the fantastic effects these events have on young people. It brings the school together as a team and encourages young people to participate and grow in confidence with a great support network.”
Both girls discussed with councillors about finding ways to bring young people’s views further included into meetings and decisions. Their priorities included developing a better mental health support network for young people, creating better transportation links across the highlands and the importance of reaching young people through social media.
Councillors heard how the community partnerships of Mid and Easter Ross have developed their children’s plans to prioritise mental health and personal and social education to particularly reflect the themes of YoYP.
Thanking the young people for coming along the Chair, Councillor Fiona Robertson said: “It has been great to hear from Mollie and Razannah about all the terrific work they are involved in. Their enthusiasm and commitment is a credit to them and the groups they represent. We all find their drive and positive attitude inspiring and wish them the best in their further careers and future.”
Many young people have shown outstanding success in Mid Area through Rock Challenge and JRock. The performing art events help to prioritise young people’s rights, participation and inclusion. It is fully supported by many schools across the highlands and gives students the chance to come together with a large team to achieve something for themselves.
Four out of five of the Scottish Rock Challenge finalists were schools from the highlands: Invergordon Academy placed 5th, Thurso High School placed 4th, Alness Academy placed 3rd and Dingwall Academy placed 2nd.