The YAA is now in its second year at Dunoon Grammar. The Bronze Award is the equivalent of General Standard Grade and is offered to S5/6 pupils who wish to develop skills and qualities useful to them in the future. The YAA involves the members on the group negotiating and planning 4 projects. This session the projects are Teambuilding, Trying New Things, Have Your Say (discussion) and Fundraising.
If you ask one of the young people taking part “What have you done so far?”, they will probably say “Play cards!”. They might not mention the recent sessions they have had baking a range of goodies, helped by Freda from the Youth Centre, all the discussions we have been having ranging from what age should young people have a vote in elections to the mess left in the forum after breaks. There has also been a juggling session.
They probably don’t see the change in themselves as they move from a diverse group of individuals who mostly would not choose to interact with each other, to a group who look out for each other and even help the others.
For a subject in which they say they “just play cards”, they also find this as one of the most challenging classes to take part in.
The YAA is supported by Alan Robertson, youth worker from Youth Services Argyll and Bute Council.