My Future, My Success (MFMS)

Members of the Council’s Education Committee were fortunate to hear from two young people on their experiences as participants in the My Future, My Success programme.

Regan Mackenzie and Allan Main shared with Members their school experience, being introduced to the programme, where they are now, and the options open to them in the future.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “It is always a privilege when we get to hear from young people at our committee meetings. But to hear from those young people who, by their own admittance, didn’t see a future for themselves, now share with us that they are working in our schools and attending college is truly wonderful.

“I mentioned during committee today that Education is about people and relationships, and I think that is what is so salient about listening to what Regan and Allan had to say today. The focus of the work is to support young people so that their future is determined by potential not by other challenges and barriers or the postcode that they come from.

“I wish to thank both Regan and Allan for their time and for sharing their journey with us. I hope that other young people and their mentors who are engaging with the programme find it as beneficial as the mentors and mentees  who came to Committee have and I look forward to hearing more positive stories as the programme continues to develop.”

Working with partners and families, MFMS brings a bespoke offer to each young person, developing skills for life, work, and learning. The main partners engaging in the programme include The Highland Council, High Life Highland, University of Highlands and Islands, Social Enterprise Academy, and NHS Highland.

An update at committee confirmed that the programme, as of 25 May 2023, has 361 referrals for young people across 31 schools.

Feedback from schools on the programme has reported encouraging and positive results:

• 94% of young people engaging with MFMS felt more positive about their future.
• 88% thought the support from the development officer was Good/Excellent.
• 76% rated the impact on young people as Good/Excellent.