THE success of Aberdeen’s Care Experienced Young People was celebrated at a special ceremony in the Town House this week (Tuesday 05 September).
It was the sixth annual Celebrating Success event, held on behalf of the Aberdeen City Integrated Children’s Partnership and the city’s Champion’s Board, to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our Care Experienced young people.
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The event was live-streamed to enable young people cared for by Aberdeen City Council, but who are being educated and live in another local authority, to be part of the celebrations.
The young people were recognised for their: sporting achievements / increased engagement in physical activities; creativity in the arts; volunteering; widening horizons through travel; leadership abilities; overcoming challenges; SQA Qualifications achieved; lifelong learning recognition and completion of the Broad General Education. Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee said: “I was delighted to meet our care experienced young people and celebrate their achievements. Our teachers, parents and carers, and our Integrated Children’s Team and Champion’s Board should be very pleased of the wonderful job they have done and continue to do in supporting our looked after children and young people.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee added: “It was great to join colleagues and families in celebrating the attainments of our care experienced young people and to hear first-hand their moving and inspiring stories. Our young people should be very pleased with themselves as we are extremely proud of all of them.”
The parent of a care experienced young person at the event said: “He was so nervous about coming but we are really proud of his achievements and for collecting his certificate in person.”A care experienced young person added: “I really enjoyed myself and the food was great.”Another care experienced young person added: “It was good to hear nice things said about me and the place was cool.”A member of the Champion Board said: “It was great to hear about our care experienced young people in Aberdeen and the wide range of achievements. We wish them every success going forward.”Another member of the Champion Board added: “It was amazing to hear about the young people’s achievements.“
The event was arranged through Aberdeen’s Virtual School – the first of its kind in Scotland when it was launched in December 2015 – which was set up to support the educational achievement of the city’s children regardless of where they live and are educated.
The celebratory event was also attended by representatives from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen Foyer, Police Scotland, ACVO, NHS Grampian, North East Scotland College (NESCOL), Scottish Children’s Reporters, Scottish Fire & Rescue and Children’s Hearings Scotland.
