More than 700 young people benefit from successful Schools Engagement Programme at Edinburgh Napier
25 Apr 2019
Edinburgh Napier’s Schools Engagement Programme has been working with young people from Gorgie and Sighthill in the city’s south-west for the last two years, helping more than 700 young people.
The programme of activities has aimed to address some of the below average performance indicators associated with the south-west with regards to employment, housing, health, crime as well as education, skills and training.
The programme has also focused on instilling a sense of academic aspiration and pride into participants, alongside highlighting the opportunities and pathways into further and higher education – something that many children from Gorgie and Sighthill may have previously thought was out of reach.
In 2018, the programme worked with a number of primary six and seven pupils in various activities across the area.
Working in partnership with Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby, the university delivered a range of rugby sessions that focused on basic skills, health and fitness and teamwork.
Futsal skills sessions have also been delivered in partnership with Hutchison Vale Community Football Club and Salveston Football Club, with the Big Hearts Foundation also presenting on how the game can be used as a medium for rebuilding lives in the local community.
Other activities include developing radio and TV campaigns to encourage young people to think about studying at university alongside working with Edinburgh Napier science academics on various exercises and experiments.
The Schools Engagement Programme supports Edinburgh Napier’s Widening Participation strategy and aims to be a key partner in initiatives to close the attainment gap in local schools. The sporting activities alight the university’s Strategy for Sport that is investing in people to build a community of physical activity and health.