As we emerge from lockdown, now, more than ever, it is vital that we capture and listen to the voices of our young people. Through the Young Scottish Talent Programme, MCR supports care-experienced and disadvantaged young people in secondary schools across the country. Despite belonging to a group at high risk from COVID-19 disruption, these talented young people rarely get the opportunity to have their voices heard.
As the economy and social systems are slowly rebuilding and reopening, we must ensure that our most vulnerable are at the centre of the discussions and decisions. We need to listen to their stories and hear their challenges and concerns. We have so much to learn from them. Only by acting on their feedback, can we ensure their needs are addressed as we work to build back better.
To get to the very core of what matters, we engaged and surveyed more than 1,000 young people from across the country, gaining insight into their experience of lockdown, including: mental wellbeing, home learning, and impact on career plans and future expectations.
This report summarises the key findings and insight that will ensure all young people are supported through education and have the tools they need to fulfil their true potential. The first of three reports outlines the statistics and overwhelming conclusions made clear by the comments and experiences young people have shared. Initial recommendations have been included to ensure the current recovery plans include all of what matters.
A third and second report will follow. The second report will highlight differences in responses, examining how age group, gender, region and home circumstances impact young people’s experiences.
The final report will give young people the opportunity to tell us the changes and support they need to feel confident in their education and futures in a final set of recommendations.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure young people are always defined by their talent and potential, never by their circumstances.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure young people are always defined by their talent and potential, never by their circumstances.
