Project aims to get kids curious about science
Cash for workshops
One of Paisley’s busiest charities has landed a cash boost to help youngsters get to grips with science.
The YMCA will use an £8,000 Curiosity grant from BBC Children in Need and charity Wellcome to help girls from deprived areas take part in science projects and workshops.
Darran Gillan, youth programme and development manager at YMCA Paisley, said: “We’re so grateful for this funding from BBC Children in Need and Wellcome.
“Technology is part of our everyday lives, and over the next year we hope to put special emphasis on enhancing girls’ skills and digital literacy, to increase their chances of further education and employment.”
Curiosity is a new partnership with global science charity Wellcome that aims to provide opportunities for children and young people experiencing disadvantage, to take part in science activities that are both educational and fun.
From January to May, Paisley girls will have the opportunity to attend two computer science events at the project’s digital youth space in William Street.
This will feature prominent female scientists talking about their jobs and the importance of women in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) industries.
Girls will also be able to take part in practical computer science workshops, presentations and discussion sessions.
The first round of the Curiosity programme has awarded 32 grants of up to £10,000 to fund projects that use the power of inspiring science activities to create change for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
The programme aims to support young people to build their confidence and self-esteem, develop life skills and expand their horizons by boosting how much science they do and how they do it.
Projects will encourage young people to be curious about themselves and the world around them, BBC Children in Need said.
Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: “We’re really excited that we are able to award these new grants in partnership with Wellcome, which will encourage disadvantaged young people around the UK to embrace an exciting and creative approach to science.”
Dr Hilary Leevers, head of education and learning at Wellcome, explained that taking part in science activities with friends and peers can make differences in children’s lives.
“Disadvantaged children and young people often have fewer opportunities to connect with science so we are delighted to partner with BBC Children in Need to enable those children to access science and explore its relevance to their lives,” she said.
To find out more about Curiosity or any BBC Children in Need grants programmes, visit www.bbc.co.uk/ Pudsey