Pupils’ philanthropy boosts five charities

Several charities benefited to the tune of £3,000 each thanks to a schools’ philanthropy scheme.

The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) takes place across Scotland with pupils working together to decide which organisation to hand the cash to.

An entire year group takes part in YPI. Through a programme of research, teamwork and competition, one team secures a grant for their chosen cause.

Shetland schools involved and the charities they supported were as follows:

Mid Yell Junior High School/Baltasound Junior High School – Mind Your Head;
Anderson High School – Voluntary Action Shetland;
Whalsay School – Swan Trust;
Aith Junior High School – Shetland Community Bike Project;
Sandwick Junior High School – Shetland Women’s Aid.

YPI is the flagship programme of The Wood Foundation. Its UK deputy director Jonathan Christie said: “The results from the 2017/18 academic year provide a unique insight of the causes empowered young people in communities across Scotland care about.

“Their impact, both in terms of engagement with these causes and securing this vital funding, is incredible. Young people also gain in terms of education, employability and life skills and we are looking forward to seeing what this year’s cohort achieve.”

By the end of the coming academic year, young people will be responsible for grants of almost £4m through their YPI schemes.