The Midlothian Access All Areas International Bright Young Sparks Project (IBYS) is a partnership between Midlothian Council Community Learning and Development and Young Scot, the national youth information and citizenship agency for
Scotland.
Throughout the year members of the IBYS have accessed a range of learning activities and opportunities provided by Young Scot Access All Areas team and their training
team in the pilot of the Young Scot Summer training Academy in Midlothian and the Poverty Conference organised by Roars not Whispers.
In addition to training and support the young people have taken part in meetings with Lothian & Borders Police and Edinburgh and Lothian's Racial Equality Council.
They have increased their confidence and developed skills in team work, consultation and research techniques, film-making, podcasting and youth participation.
They have consulted young people at a number of events including Vogrie Festival with members of Midlothian Youth Platform and held a focus group at Dalkeith Campus with pupils from the Black and Minority Ethnic community.
They have produced an excellent film based on their personal experiences of coming to live in Midlothian, sharing their research findings and recommendation with the key aim of influencing and sensitising mainstream services.
Volunteering their time on this project has led to recognition with certificates of achievement, the MV Award for volunteering and the submission of their portfolios for
the bronze Youth Achievement Award (equivalent to a general standard grade in mainstream education).
Overall this has been an excellent partnership project, where participants from the Black and Minority Ethnic community have been empowered and engaged to take
action on the important issue of racism.
To read the full report on the International Bright Young Sparks Project please click on the link at the foot of the page.
If you have any queries about the International Bright Young Sparks Project please contact:
Clare Taylor-Brown
Tel. 0131 271 3714
For full contact details please see here.
