Free family fun days being held across Easter Holidays Tech repair initiative launched
A SECONDARY school in West Dunbartonshire has launched a Chromebook repair initiative.
Vale of Leven Academy students will run the project for all schools and early learning and childcare centres in the area.
Housed in the academy’s communications base, the programme will offer students the first-hand experience of running a business as well as strengthening their CVs.
The students will handle everything from actual repairs to customer relations, stock control, marketing, logistics and accounts.
The initiative is also a significant environmental effort for the region, as it currently has more than 10,000 Chromebooks in educational institutions.
A repair programme will cut costs and reduce waste.
Councillor Clare Steel, convener of Educational Services, said: “This is a great project which will teach our young people all the skills they need to run their own business whilst still at school.
“It is important for any business that employees have key skills, including communication, financial decision-making and strategic choices and I look forward to hearing the progress of the project in the coming months.”
Councillor John
Millar, vice-convener of Educational Services, added: “There is so much to think about when starting a business and having the knowledge and understanding on how to repair computers is a very popular choice.
“Pupils will learn how to grow and expand the business and develop the essential skills required to run a successful business while learning a trade.
“I hope the life skills the young people gain from this project will stand them in good stead for the future and give them a flavour of running their own business.”
A NUMBER of different family fun days will be available to residents in West Dunbartonshire over the Easter holidays.
The council will offer face painting, lawn games and small fairground rides free of charge during the break.
It is part of the Cost of Living initiative, which was introduced last year.
The first in this new series of family fun days will take place at Levengrove Park on Saturday, April 6 then Dalmuir Park on Sunday, April 7.
The following week, on Friday, April 12, a family fun day will be held at Christie Park and on Sunday, April 14 at Moss O’Balloch.
They will all take place between noon until 4pm with a further 10 events scheduled for the summer period.
Councillor Michelle McGinty said: “The council strives to support residents who are struggling with household costs on a daily basis.
“For some, days out or holidays are not possible, and we know how much of a boost being able to go along to a free family fun day can have.
“Last year’s events which I was delighted to go along to with my own family were full of fun with people of all ages having a great time within our beautiful parks.
“I am pleased that we can host them once again.”
Councillor Clare Steel, Vice Chair of the Cost of Living Working Group, added: “All children and families should get the chance to have fun together during the school holidays and it is a pleasure to be able to provide these events.
“I am delighted that the cost of living working group have been able to support struggling families and I look forward to seeing people from all over West Dunbartonshire making the most of the free activities.”
Meanwhile, there are several other free activities on offer over the break.
The council’s School Holidays Involve Nurture & Engage (SHINE) programme provides different ways for children to keep fit and entertained.
Activities suitable for 5 to 16 year olds will be held in various locations and are focused on fun social experiences, learning and wellbeing activities, the environment and health.
These include sports games, arts & crafts activities, dancing and electronic gaming events.
To book a place on the SHINE programme and find out what activities are available visit westdunbarton.gov.uk/schools-andlearning/extra-curricular-activities/shine-2024/shine-easter/.
Councillor Clare Steel, convener of Educational Services, said: “We are pleased to once again offer a wide range of activities that are free with all offering a snack and lunch.
“We know how difficult and expensive it can be to keep young people entertained over the school holidays, so I’m sure these events will be very popular with families.
“As a council we recognise that money is tight and these sessions are an opportunity for all young people regardless of their family’s financial position to have fun, to learn and spend time with their friends.”
Councillor John Millar, vice convener of Educational Services, added: “These activities will be a real benefit to parents and carers who are struggling to keep their children entertained during the holidays.
“I would like to thank our partners who are supporting us this year by providing such a varied programme of events.
“We are very grateful to them for their support and I’m sure young people and their families will have a great time.” between the most and least deprived areas.
While an overall strong increase in attainment at P1, P4, P7 and S3 was measured during the same period.
Councillor John Millar, vice convener of Educational Services, said: “Looking at the figures overall it is pleasing to see that we are matching and exceeding the national level in our schools.
“This is great testament to our teachers and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure every pupil is supported and encouraged to learn and achieve in our schools.”