The success of Aberdeen’s Care Experienced Young People was celebrated at a special ceremony at Get Active Westburn on Monday 15 September.
It was the eighth annual Celebrating Success event, held on behalf of the Aberdeen City Integrated Children’s Partnership, to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our Care Experienced young people.
The event has grown year-on-year with more young people attending and having their achievements recognised. The success of young people from S3-S6 and those up to age 26, who have moved onto further and higher education, employment, training or continuing to build their life skills was celebrated. The event was made even more special thanks to the support of Sport Aberdeen and a range of wider partners, who provided an array of family-friendly activities that brought energy and excitement to the day. These engaging experiences, combined with the presentation of certificates, helped foster a warm and celebratory atmosphere that was enjoyed by children, young people, and their families alike.
The young people were recognised for their: sporting achievements; artistic creativity; volunteering; leadership abilities; overcoming challenges; SQA Qualifications achieved; lifelong learning recognition and completion of the Broad General Education.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee said: “Our Celebrating Success event is always a highlight of the year. Our Care Experienced Young People have achieved so much with the support of our dedicated Integrated Children’s team and partners working together.
“We all play a part supporting our Care Experienced Young People to reach their potential and it was great to meet everyone today.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee added: “I am so proud of our Care Experienced Young People for what they have achieved in often challenging circumstances.
“Our Integrated Children’s team plays a vital role in supporting our Care Experienced Young People to be the best that they can be and I’d like to thank everyone concerned for their outstanding efforts.”
A care experienced young person said: “This means a lot to me as not a lot of people believe we can achieve something as great as this.”
The event was arranged through Aberdeen’s Virtual School – the first of its kind in Scotland when it was launched in December 2015 – which was set up to support the educational achievement of the city’s children regardless of where they live and are educated.