Youth philanthropy is in safe hands with QTS
A top Ayrshire business has joined forces with a youth philanthropy initiative as part of its drive to recognise young talent and good causes close to their hearts.
QTS has linked with The
Wood Foundation to support the development of the Youth & Philanthropy Initiative ( YPI Scotland) across Ayrshire.
The project sees young people from across a whole school year group work in small teams to actively research and understand the big social issues that affect their local community.
In each school the programme culminates with a grand final where the best teams compete against each other to secure a £ 3000 grant for their chosen local charity.
During the 2017/ 18 academic year, 19 Ayrshire secondary schools will participate in YPI providing a welcome windfall of £ 57,000 for local charities.
As part of the initiative, representatives from QTS have actively engaged in programme delivery.
Ayr’s Kyle Academy were among those to host their YPI Final with Wheels in Motion – a small local charity focused on supporting those affected by homelessness and poverty in South Ayrshire – securing the £ 3000 award.
QTS chief, Alan McLeish, said:
“QTS is an active supporter of youth development across Ayrshire and our wider communities and is excited to be involved with The Wood Foundation and YPI.
“It is important for our young people to not only be successful in their chosen careers but also to be socially aware and considerate of the environment that surrounds them.
“This initiative not only provides these young people with a real opportunity to increase their social skills, self- confidence and self- belief but also inspires them to look beyond their own lives and understand the issues that affect their communities every day.”
The Wood Foundation ( TWF), originally named the Wood Family Trust, is a venture philanthropy organisation which was established in 2007 by Sir Ian Wood and his immediate family.
Sir Ian said: “The Wood Foundation is delighted to be collaborating with QTS in support of the sustained growth and development of YPI Scotland across Ayrshire.
“Over the last 10 years we have established a number of strong partnerships with likeminded funding partners who support programme growth and sustainability, and we look forward to working closely alongside the team at QTS.”