An East Kilbride high school has been given a prestigious award for its efforts to bring generations together.
Calderglen High was delighted to have been awarded the Most Improved Project 2020 by the organisation Generations Working Together.
They were meant to receive the accolade for their befrienders project earlier this year but it was delayed due to lockdown.
The Award recognises the school’s outstanding contribution to intergenerational work through Vibrant Communities.
The scheme sees a senior pupil paired with older members of the community to provide a helping hand or just to spend time in their company.
It was founded 10 years ago by stalwart Avril Anderson and with the support of the school community has gone from strength to strength.
Head teacher at Calderglen, Liz White, said: “This recognition is most welcome as our S6 pupils continue to invest their time and their skills to make a difference to senior members of their local community.
“All young people involved in the project as befrienders, together with those they befriend, all benefit equally as stereotypes are challenged and intergenerational barriers removed.
“Furthermore, the tangible bond that is formed between young people and those they visit is quite exceptional and allows skills and abilities to be truly developed, as well as the mutual benefits of learning and chatting together.”
Deputy head teacher, Fiona Murphy, added: “We have continued to develop and extend the project and this award is testament to how well we have done this.
“Avril Anderson has been pivotal in the success of this project over the last decade.
“As a highly valued partner of the school Avril ensures this opportunity for personal development and community transformation is offered year on year and remains a highly successful community partnership.
“The school and all its befrienders over the years pay tribute to Avril for her tireless energy and dedication to this most worthwhile project.”
Senior pupil, Ellie Stewart, said: “The befriending project allowed me to create a special bond with my paired elder, a relationship I will cherish and remember forever.
“It offered me an opportunity to learn while making a personal connection as they loved to talk about their life and what made them at their happiest.”
While Lauren Thomson said befriending has given her a “different perspective on life” and that she has learned a lot from the 92-year-old resident she befriended.
And Katie Kerr added: “Volunteering has taught me many things and it is a very enjoyable and memorable experience.”
