Plea for young folk to help shape future island life

An exciting opportunity has arisen for young people in Orkney to contribute to a national challenge which could help to shape what future island life might be like for them.

Youth Scotland is working alongside the Scottish Government and the National Island’s Plan on the Young Islander’s Challenge and to pilot the setting up of a Young Islander’s Network.

This network will give young people from across Scotland’s islands, including Orkney, the chance to come together, discuss their lives and challenges and help shape their own future.

If you know what it is like to live and grow up in one of island communities and are aged between 13-25, then the Orkney Association of Youth Groups would like to hear from you. If you would like to be involved email: amandakirkness@btinternet.com before Wednesday 3 February.

The type of topics covered in the challenge will be:

• What are the issues that affect your life?
• What is good about your island community?
• What could be better about your island community?
• What would you change if you could?
• What would you like to see the Young Islander’s Network do and/or achieve?

In addition to understanding young people’s views, Youth Scotland are going to provide training and support to young people and will work with young people and community-based youth groups to establish a Young Islander’s Network.

By participating, it is possible to also gain one of Youth Scotland’s accredited Hi5 awards, records and recognises wider achievement. The award has been credit rated and levelled by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

For more information about the challenge visit: https://youthscotland.org.uk/programmes/young-islanders-challenge/