A motion has been lodged at the Scottish Parliament congratulating the first two schools in the country to partner with Future First.
Less than a year after Future First started working to support schools in Scotland, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Lothian, Sarah Boyack has lodged the motion celebrating the initiative.
It calls on the Parliament to congratulate “Tynecastle and Gracemount High Schools on being the first schools in Scotland to partner with” Future First.
The motion goes on to state “that there is inequality in children’s personal networks” and “that nearly 50% of children on free school meals do not know anyone in a job that they would like to do”. It also “encourages state schools across Scotland to consider the positive impact that working with organisations such as Future First can have on pupils’ life chances”.
Three further MSPs, Sharon Dowey, Paul Sweeney and Sue Webber, have formally supported the motion. It comes after Louise Macdonald, former Director of the Institute of Directors in Scotland also welcomed the initiative.
Leon Ward, Future First’s Programme Innovations Director, said: “It is wonderful news that our work alongside Tynecastle and Gracemount High Schools has gained this recognition in the Scottish Parliament.
“We are a UK wide charity, working with schools all over England and Wales, so we very much hope to grow our work and support more young people in Scotland.”
After spotting the impact of Future First’s work in other parts of the UK, Susan Murray, Director of the David Hume Institute, encouraged the organisation to expand north of the border.
Susan said: “We heard about the work of Future First and the difference they are making to young people elsewhere in the UK. We encouraged them to adapt their materials through a pilot in Scotland and hope even more schools will be able to benefit in future. I’m delighted the motion recognises the work so far and hope it helps to raise awareness so more schools get involved so their communities can benefit.”
Other Scottish schools that wish to work with Future First should contact Leon.ward@futurefirst.org.uk as the charity is continuing to look to expand in the country.