Project has role in tackling poverty
A commission created by the Scottish Government has asked North Lanarkshire Council’s Club 365 programme to eliminate holiday hunger.
The Poverty and Inequality Commission was set up to provide advice to government ministers and monitor progress towards tackling poverty and inequality.
The council’s education convener Frank Mcnally said:“poverty and inequality remains the burning issue of our time and, whilst we still have much to do to ensure it is eradicated, Club 365 is making a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable in North Lanarkshire.
“Education is one of the best ways out of poverty, which is why our Labour administration has delivered one of the highest school uniform clothing grants in Scotland, secured breakfast clubs in every primary school and rolled out free sanitary products in all our schools.
“We are also investing millions in improving our school estate.
“Labour in North Lanarkshire is doing the best we can with the powers we have available to give our young people the best possible start in life.
“As we near this year’s Scottish budget announcement by Derek Mackay on December 12, it’s time the Scottish Government provide North Lanarkshire Council an assurance that there will be no cuts to its budget for next year so we can build on our strong record and continue to tackle poverty head-on.”
The Club 365 programme provides free meals and activities at weekends and holidays for P1-P7 pupils.
THEVANL Hub in Kenilworth Avenue, Gowkthrapple’s Centrepoint and the Glencassells Community Development Programme in Craigneuk were chosen to roll out the programme throughout the holidays.