Academy pupils secure £3,000 for Somas Light through The Wood Foundation’s Youth and Philanthropy Initiative

A team of S3 students from Stromness Academy have secured a £3,000 grant for Soma’s Light through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).

The group’s presentation explored how mental health issues affect young people and how Soma’s Light works to prevent harm and support those who have been affected in Orkney. Pupils explained how the charity was established following the tragic deaths of three teenagers in the islands. They spoke ‘passionately and compassionately’ about this difficult subject, its effect on families and communities, and shared deeply personal stories that were both memorable and impactful.

At one point, the five pupils stepped off the podium to light five candles—one for each person who has died by suicide in Orkney this year. As each candle was extinguished, the audience was given a moment to reflect on the profound impact of a life lost. Their thoughtful and moving presentation won the public final, judged by Gayle Duffus, (Education Director at YPI Scotland), Charlene Nicolson (DYW), Kerr Wintersgill (Milestone Kirk), Janette Park (Councillor) and Cathy Nicolson, an S4 pupil and member of last year’s winning team.

YPI is the largest independent programme delivered through Scottish education, empowering tens of thousands of young people each year to make a difference in their communities. Through teamwork, research and competition, young people advocate for social issues in their local areas in a bid to secure their school’s £3,000 grant.

Other finalist charities included Simba, Sands, Right There and The Archie Foundation.

Aline Lidwell, teacher at Stromness Academy, said:

“S3 pupils all selected issues they care about and highlighted a wide range of social concerns including social care, mental health, the cost-of-living crisis and grief associated with miscarriage. They then researched and selected charities they believe are addressing these issues. What impressed me most was the confidence and assuredness with which they delivered these presentations. The pupils put hours of their own time into this piece of work.”

Gayle Duffus, YPI Education Director and judge, said: “Your final will stay with me for a very long time. It was absolutely incredible. The young people spoke passionately and compassionately about some very tough social issues and coped brilliantly. They shared personal experiences with great sensitivity and maturity, and the judges were all deeply affected by what we heard. These pupils are a real credit to themselves, the school and their families. I have been truly humbled.”

YPI is active in 280 secondary schools across Scotland and has empowered more than 390,000 young people since its launch in 2008. The Wood Foundation is the operational manager and majority funder of the programme, which has seen £8.5 million distributed to Scottish charities.

Gareth Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Stromness Academy for securing the YPI grant for Soma’s Light. The Wood Foundation is proud to provide a platform that empowers young people to explore complex social issues, develop confidence and find their voice. Whether or not they secure the funding, every pupil gains valuable insight into their community and the opportunity to champion a cause they care deeply about.”

YPI has been running at Stromness Academy for 10 years, during which time the school has helped distribute £30,000 to Orkney charities. The programme is an established part of the S3 RME curriculum, with every pupil choosing a social issue they care about and a charity to represent. Pupils also fundraise to contribute towards the £3,000 grant.

This year, they enthusiastically organised events including a fun fair, a staff lunch and a staff-versus-pupils netball match. YPI gives young people the chance to show what they can achieve, and it is a pleasure to watch them step up and make a genuine difference in their community.