Joint news release from Highland Council and High Life Highland
Highland Councillors gave their unanimous support to the Year of Young People (external link) at the Council’s People Committee today (25 January).
2018 has been designated the Year of Young People in Scotland. It will be an opportunity to celebrate all that is wonderful about young people (ages 8 to 26), providing a platform for showcasing their ideas and talents.
Council Members endorsed the YoYP2018 aim which is “to inspire Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contribution to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally.
Councillor Andrew Baxter, Chair of the Council’s People Committee said: “As we celebrate the Year of Young People this year, I encourage all councillors to participate in this extremely worthwhile initiative. I am sure that there will be lots of events that we can get involved in and that working with Young People will ensure a renewed sense of vim and vigour among Members.”
Highland Youth Convener, Maria Roberts said: “The Year of Young People is a fantastic opportunity to support and show great work that young people are doing in Highland. There are already many young people who do amazing work within schools, clubs and their local community.
“By giving full support to the Year of Young People we will be supporting and inspiring young people across the region to shape their futures. The year provides a platform for children and young people to have stronger voices on issues affecting their lives.”
Young people’s voices have been at the heart of plans for the year. A vital feature has been the establishment and support of young ambassadors across the country. Highland has 18 young ambassadors ranging in age from 9 to 26.
The Year of Young People has 6 themes and Highland’s Ambassadors will focus on two of these – Equality & Discrimination and Participation. They will meet together for the first time on Saturday January 27 2018.
Eithne Barnes, from the group, says “we’re coming together to share ideas and plans for the year ahead”. She added “we want this to be a special year which highlights all that is positive about young people from Highland”
Maree Todd MSP, the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, will be joining the event and provide a springboard for enthusiasm and activity.
Ian Kyle is the lead officer for YoYP at Highland Council, and said: “I am delighted that the young ambassadors and our key supporting partners will spend time with each other on Saturday, and that we are able to plan a programme for the year that demonstrates the significant contribution that children and young people make.”
