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Young People from North Glasgow discuss their future with Scottish Parliament‘s Presiding Officer

African Challenge Scotland were at the forefront of bringing a group of young people together to meet with the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP. The event took place in The Ron Davey Centre in Springburn, where the young people meet regularly for educational programmes, such as the free Homework Club.

The purpose of the visit was to hear about career opportunities with the Scottish Parliament Apprenticeship Programme, which is open to young people aged 16 to 24 across Scotland. The programme aims to support participants to develop their skills, reach their potential and feel inspired. The group which included members of African Challenge Scotland and Afghan United, had the opportunity to talk to current and past apprentices and learn how they can make their voices heard in Parliament. There was a question and answer session and the young people were asked about their goals and aspirations for the future.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP said:

“It was so encouraging to meet the young members of the Homework Club and to hear their dreams and aspirations for the future. Here is a group of young people who are working hard and giving up their own time out of school to overcome any challenges they might face and so that they can build a successful and fulfilling life.

“Maryhill and Springburn was the first stop on my tour of Scotland as part of the engagement events designed to mark 20 years of the Scottish Parliament. It is clear from the discussions I had with members of the homework club that we can have confidence in those shaping our next twenty years.”

The event was attended by ng homes Chief Executive Robert Tamburrini and ng homes Chair, John Thorburn who said:

“The turnout of young people attending this event was impressive, as was their clear determination to try to ensure a successful set of careers in the future. If they continue to work as hard as they are doing, I have no doubt that they will fulfil their individual dreams. We are very happy to engage with every member of our community no matter age or ethnic group and provide what resources we can, especially if it helps their futures.”

Ronier Deumeni, Founder of African Challenge Scotland said:

“We are grateful that the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP came and talked with members of our free Homework Help Club. It was a fantastic and excellent experience for young people in our community. As a platform organisation to Black Asian Minorities Ethnics in Glasgow and beyond, we are confident that some challenges and existing barriers that were discussed during the meeting will be addressed in the Scottish Parliament, and as a result it will unlock doors and create opportunities to young people with a BAME background in Scotland, because they belong to Scotland. In addition, we are very pleased with our ongoing partnership with ng homes, and the work placement opportunities they provide to young people in the community.”

It was an excellent opportunity and inspiring event, and concluded with the young people taking a ‘tour’ of the Scottish Parliament using Virtual Reality Goggles

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