Ambassador role for Scott
CouparAngusladwilllead mentoringprojectathighschool
A well-known Coupar Angus face has been named as an ambassador for a project designed to champion the cause of young people.
Scott Jewell (21), assistant campus management officer at the Strathearn Community Campus in Crieff - home to Crieff High School - is one of six ambassadors in Perth and Kinross as part of a new initiative.
A global first, the Year of Young People 2018 was recently unveiled by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and is designed to provide a platform to showcase the personalities, talents and achievements of the country’s next generation.
In addition, it is hoped that the scheme will “strengthen young people’s voices and give them an opportunity to directly influence policy and decision-making on issues which affect their lives”.
As well as Scott, the ambassadors for Perth and Kinross are Sarah Cassels (9), David Chipakupaku (16), Kelsey Boyne (17), Matthew Jackson (17) and Olivia Johnson (10).
A former Blairgowrie High School pupil, Scott said: “In 2018, I will be leading a Year of Young People project with Crieff High School to mentor young people in events management as they develop their ideas and put on monthly events.
“I think there is significant pressure on young people to achieve good grades.
“Good grades are amazing achievements but there are a lot of other things that can count towards employment and many opportunities available to young people.”
As a school pupil, Scott had hopes of becoming a teacher but was disheartened when he didn’t achieve the grades required.
He took on volunteering projects and achieved an HNC in business before becoming the event leader for Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life which formerly took place in Blairgowrie – all of which provided the platform for him to take on his current job.
Councillor Caroline Shiers, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee, said: “Often the views and opinions of young people can be overlooked or ignored in favour of those from members of older generations who are perceived to have experience under their belt – however, experience doesn’t mean that your contribution is more valuable.
“If we don’t take the time to nurture the skills and talents of our young people and let them know that their contribution is not only valued but wanted and appreciated then how can we expect them to be confident adults who can succeed in the future?”