Kids encouraged to channel energy into climate action
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are being encouraged to channel their energy into STEM subjects as part of an archaeology project based in Midlothian.
Energy Through Time, run by Archeaology Scotland, challenges young participants to come up with sustainable energy solutions for the future by harnessing the power of the past in the historic surroundings of Newbattle Abbey College.
It is one of 20 UK initiatives – supporting communities and the environment – to receive a share of £1.2 from the ScottishPower Foundation this year.
The first courses of the project will begin as part of Meaningful May, a programme of activity offered to young people who are not sitting exams in school, with the aim of supporting them into a positive destination.
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The Energy Through Time project is helping young people to look into the past to inspire their very own future in STEM, supporting them to develop a host of skills and become the next generation of climate ambassadors.
“At the ScottishPower Foundation we always want to nurture projects that we believe will make a real difference, not only to our planet but to our local communities and the people within them.
“That is why it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities across the UK.
“It is always a challenge to narrow down the number of applications, but we sincerely believe we have selected a group of incredible organisations that we are thrilled to be in partnership with over the next year.”
Jane Miller, learning officer at Archaeology Scotland, said: “At Archaeology Scotland we engage and connect young people with their local heritage, helping them develop new skills while raising aspirations for work and further learning.
"This project gives us the opportunity to use archaeology to grow STEM literacy among young people from areas where people are experiencing disadvantage across various aspects of their lives.
“We’re extremely grateful to the ScottishPower Foundation for supporting this new project which forms part of our Attainment Through Archaeology courses, designed to offer all people the chance to develop and grow, whatever their background.”
It is always a challenge to narrow down the number of applications