Stromness Academy DoE outdoor programme £20k grant

Stromness Academy has been awarded just under £20,000 to support its Duke of Edinburgh outdoor education programme from the Scottish Government’s Healthy Islands Fund.

One of 15 community projects in Orkney to receive a share of around £422,000, the grant will be used to provide expedition equipment and staff training.  Purchases will include outdoor sleeping, walking and cooking equipment, waterproofs and safety items and staff leading the programme will be able to gain ‘Wilderness Leader’ and first aid qualifications.

Stromness Academy Head Teacher Jane Partridge said: “The successful award of £19,728.78 demonstrates the belief in the programme that we have here at Stromness Academy. We had successfully re-introduced Duke of Edinburgh bronze with S3 pupils and were beginning to move up to older pupils and higher levels before covid interrupted, but needing to borrow equipment restricted our operations. Having our own equipment at the Academy means we will be able to offer the benefits of this programme to more students. We have a long and successful history with the Duke of Edinburgh programme here in Orkney and this is something we are keen to promote and continue.

“The Healthy Islands Fund is a superb initiative to improve well-being for all. It has been a really challenging time for everyone and especially our younger students who have had to grow and mature in a time of much isolation. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is about working together, serving others, learning new things and getting outdoors, all of which have positive effects on wellbeing and will develop pupils' skills for life and work. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is widely respected and many of our young people are keen to get involved.

“We are delighted to have been awarded the grant and my thanks go to our Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator Paul Barber for his efforts in preparing the funding application, and to all the staff who volunteer to run this programme which is so valued by pupils, parents and future employers.”

Inspiring Scotland, which is administering the fund on behalf of the Government, is seeking to change people's lives for the better through significant funding and development support of Scotland's charities, companies and social enterprises.

The fund has been designed to benefit people living on Scottish islands, with a series of community-led wellness initiatives designed to support them to live healthier lifestyles.