Kirkwall Grammar School marks 10 years with YPI

A pair of third year students, Tara Thomas and Ella MacGregor, from KGS have secured a grant of £3,000 for The Peedie Retreat through The Wood Foundation’s Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI). This marks the 10th year KGS has participated, meaning a total of £30,000 has been raised. 

The group’s presentation explored how many people in Orkney are affected by cancer, multiple sclerosis, and motor neurone disease, and highlighted the vital role that respite facilities play in improving the quality of life for those living with these conditions. The group also outlined the ambitions of The Peedie Retreat and demonstrated the meaningful difference that additional funding would make for individuals and families across the islands. 

The £3,000 grant will help the charity to achieve its target to raise £14,500 to be spent on indoor and outdoor toys for residents to use during their stays at The Peedie Retreat. 

The finalists were judged by Lizbeth Paul (Director of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative), Clare Gee (VAO), Stephen Hagan (Orkney Fund), Evie McGowan (Radio Orkney), Amy Watt (Supply teacher at KGS) and 4th year representatives from last year’s winners. 

Other charities represented were Women’s Aid Orkney, Soma’s Light, Orkney Charitable Trust, ORSAS and Age Scotland Orkney. 

Lisa Greenwell from Kirkwall Grammar School said:  

“S3 pupils selected issues they care about and have highlighted a wide range of social issues spanning from domestic abuse, age-related issues, battles with disease, suicide and poverty. They then researched and selected charities they believe are addressing these issues. I was deeply impressed with the amount of thought, creativity and time the pupils put into their research and preparing their presentations. 

Lizbeth Paul YPI Director said "The young people at Kirkwall Grammar School delivered a packed final, advocating well for local charities that make a difference across a wide spectrum of social issues, it was a privilege to be able to attend and to present the £3,000 on behalf of YPI". 

“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 a £3,000 grant.” 

Alasdair Harvey, Depute Headteacher at KGS, added: 

“KGS has been involved with YPI for 10 years, and in that time, we’ve been proud to help contribute £30,000 to local charities. The most rewarding part of our involvement has been giving every pupil the chance to learn about the incredible work of our local third sector. That awareness will stay with them as they move into adulthood, strengthening understanding and support within our wider community. 

YPI is active in 280 secondary schools nationwide and has empowered 390,000 young people since it was launched in 2008. The Wood Foundation is the operational manager and majority funder of the programme which has seen £8.5m reaching Scotland’s charities. 

Garreth Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation, said:  

“Congratulations to Kirkwall Grammar School for winning the YPI grant for The Peedie Retreat. 

“The Wood Foundation is proud to provide a platform that empowers young people to explore complex social issues, develop their confidence, and find their voice. 

Whether or not they secure the funds, every pupil gains valuable insight into their community and has the opportunity to champion a cause they care about.” 

The programme is an established part of the S3 curriculum, with groups of pupils choosing a social issue they care about and a charity to represent. It encourages pupils to learn about and engage with challenges in their local community and provides them an opportunity to make a genuine difference.