School pupils compete for Obamatalk

SCHOOL pupils have been given the chance to compete for a table at a dinner attended by former US president Barack Obama.

Entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter and his charity the Hunter Foundation is donating a table of 10 to a secondary school group.

In order to secure a seat at the table, pupils must first write an essay on how they would change Scotland.

In return, the pupils could win a table at the former president’s lecture at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on May 26.

The invitation reads: “If you ruled the world...Oh okay then, Scotland... what would you change? All you have to do is write an essay that summarises what your school would do if you ran Scotland. What would you change, why would you change it and how?”

It adds: “Think you could run the country? Tell us how you’d do it and your school could win a table at a dinner with Barack Obama.

“The 44th president of the United States will address philanthropy and business leaders at a dinner at the EICC.

“And this is your school’s chance to be there at the event. The Hunter Foundation in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and Founders4Schools is offering one table of 10 for a secondary school to attend the dinner.”

The essay must be written with a maximum of two pages where they can be as creative as they like.

They must also say how they will select the nine others on their table if they win.

The terms and conditions also state permission must be given from pupils’ schools to enter.

They add: “At least one member of the winning group must be a teacher or adult.

“The prize is only for President Obama’s lecture and does not include post-lecture entertainment.”

Danny Logue, director of operations at Skills Development Scotland, said: “SDS careers advisers across Scotland work with pupils to support them to make the most of their strengths, potential and future career ambitions.

“This is a great opportunity for schools and for young people to show their creativity and innovation.”

The event is organised by the Hunter Foundation and is already fully booked.

All profits raised from the event will be shared between around 300 Scottish children’s charities and a donation will also be made to the Obama Foundation, which the former president and his wife Michelle set up.

Last week, it was announced that Annie Lennox, Kevin Bridges and rock band Texas would perform as part of the event.