North Berwick High School students win £3,000 for Bridges Project

The two students won North Berwick High School’s Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) competition, through which students are challenged to represent a good cause and argue why that specific group or charity should receive £3,000. YPI is delivered in schools all over Scotland and is managed and principally funded by The Wood Foundation.

To win their school’s competition, Elena and Ruby were tasked with researching which social issue they wanted to support and deliver a presentation on it. Despite being based at the other side of the council area, they recognised the impact Bridges Project has on young people across East Lothian and chose the Musselburgh charity as their cause to support.

With some input from staff on questions they had about the organisation, the girls’ presentation convinced the jury that the charity was worthy of receiving the big cheque.

Elena said: “Taking part in the YPI challenge has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience and I’m proud to have been able to make change in the local area.

“Bridges Project is an admirable charity which has made many positive changes to the lives of young people in East Lothian.

“After speaking to the charity and doing research, they seemed like an obvious choice to support.

“Everyone we spoke to was so friendly and helpful, and the charity is very deserving of the money. I know they will put it to good use to help support many young people.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and hope to continue to be able to support the charity in the future.”

Bridges Project’s Fundraising and Communications Manager Simen Holm was delighted to receive the £3,000, which will go directly to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

He said: “We’re honoured to be the charity these students chose to support.

“Bridges Project is a charity for young people and we’re therefore delighted to see that young people themselves recognise the work we do across East Lothian.

“Thanks to these students’ hard work, we will be able to purchase additional IT equipment for our new IT and Education Suite, which we will launch soon.

“This Suite will provide digitally excluded young people with digital skills and access – the importance of which has very much been highlighted during the pandemic.”

Duncan Binnie, the teacher who is in charge of YPI at North Berwick High School, was very impressed by all the students who participated in the competition.

He said: “The quality of presentations was wonderful and they were all in aid of worthwhile causes.

“The winning team delivered a fun and uplifting presentation which captured the audience’s attention and demonstrated real commitment and personal involvement.”

Bridges Project look forward to welcoming Elena and Ruby to the charity’s facilities once the new IT & Education Suite launches so that the two young women can see the direct impact of their support with their own eyes!

This story was first reported in the East Lothian Courier: https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/19845038.county-charity-gets-3-000-boost-thanks-north-berwick-high-school-students/