Young Glasgow Talent by MCR Pathways recognises that education is the bridge to connect opportunity with talent. We’re determined to see every single young person in Glasgow access that life-changing opportunity. Regardless of their situation or background.
As well as providing a volunteer mentor, MCR Pathways is doing so much more for the city’s care experienced and disadvantaged young people. From Talent Taster to Arts, Culture & Sports Tasters, we’re ensuring they get to experience and be inspired by the world of work. That they’re engaged with activities that will develop their creative skills and confidence.
The YGT Arts Hub project, in partnership with Glasgow Life and our Creative Partners, has developed bespoke opportunities that will support our young people to develop both their knowledge and confidence, while opening up a whole new world of opportunity. Ensuring that our most disadvantaged young people are supported to fully participate in the cultural and creative life of Glasgow.
Our latest Arts programme has included four weeks of creative workshops delivered by our amazing creative partners Scottish Opera, Scottish Youth Theatre, Tramway (Glasgow Life), Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow School of Art. The bespoke workshops took place within 10 of our schools and covered music, drama and visual art. Allowing our young people to experience high quality, creative activity.
The commitment from our creative partners to ensure that the workshops were accessible and engaging resulted in some quite stunning and innovative creative workshops. All of the artists involved were amazing, getting our S1 and S2 young people fully engaged in the creativity. All the young people involved had a great time and are thirsty for more!!
As cultural enrichment activities both improve attainment and ensure prosocial outcomes, it’s vital that our young people, who are all too often left behind when such events are opened, get to take part.
The programme’s workshops are an introduction to specific art forms for our young people who have had little or no access to the arts. Starting with developing their knowledge and understanding of the creative industries sector, then looking at the amazing impact the arts can have for finding their talents, and using it for their future career!
“Our young people enjoyed every minute of the Scottish Youth Theatre sessions” Pathways Coordinator, Lochend High School.
“Young people really engaged with the Scottish Opera sessions, having them in the school made a huge difference. It shows if they are in a comfortable environment they will really thrive!” Pathways Coordinator, Saint Andrew’s Secondary.
“Elizabeth (Smithycroft Secondary’s Pathways Coordinator) has been taken back by the confidence portrayed by all the group members. Those that usually have been shy in her sessions have opened up to this type of work” Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Facilitator.
“The favourite activity was the blind drawing as it allowed the young people to unlock their inner artist” Glasgow School of Art facilitator.
We have so many more inspiring young people signing up for MCR Pathway’s help and to become a part of Young Glasgow Talent. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? Find out more about becoming a mentor.
Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners such as City Building, The Herald and Wheatley Group, get involved.
Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how hugely rewarding mentoring can be!
