Prince's Trust scheme benefits East Ayrshire pupils

Jan 29 2010 Kilmarnock Standard

OVER 80 per cent of East Ayrshire S4 pupils who took part in a Prince’s Trust scheme benefited from the experience, according to independent research.

Figures collated by Careers Scotland show that 85 per cent of the participants moved on to ‘positive’ outcomes, which includes a move into further or higher education, voluntary work, employment or training.

Eight Prince’s Trust ‘xlerate with xl’ clubs were run in East Ayrshire schools.

Teenagers took part in a number of personal development initiatives, including participating in community projects and mentoring opportunities, designed to boost self-esteem and confidence.

Councillor Iain Linton, East Ayrshire Council’s spokesperson for lifelong learning, said: “The ‘xlerate with xl’ clubs have been very successful in our schools and this has been an excellent partnership with The Prince’s Trust.

“Many young people have enjoyed activities and benefited from projects which have boosted their self-esteem and confidence. This has not only paid dividends in school, but will also help them in their future careers.”