Mentoring programme hailed success by Glasgow City Council
Clyde News is hearing from the Glasgow-born entrepreneur behind a ground breaking project which helps give kids from tough backgrounds the chance to realise their full potential.
Clyde News is hearing from the Glasgow-born entrepreneur behind a ground breaking project which helps give kids from tough backgrounds the chance to realise their full potential through a school based mentoring scheme.
That's Iain MacRitchie the brains behind MCR Pathways has mentors in 15 secondaries in the city and will eventually be rolled out to every high school in Glasgow.
Itis being hailed a success by the city's council after it was revealed 81% of young people who've been involved have gone onto further study or employment
As Iain MacRitchie, Founder of MCR Pathways, explains: “Above all else, our project is about the young people and the potential we can all help realise in everyone who becomes a part of the MCR Pathway family.
“The Impact Report is all about the young people’s success stories, the fact and figures, the achievements, case studies, commitments and our bold plans for the future as we look to celebrate 10 amazing years of mentoring and talent development in Glasgow.
"We are very determined to bridge the talent of all our young people with the many opportunities our great city has to offer. MCR mentoring is the bridge
“When one mentors, two lives are changed. Organisations are also benefitting hugely with staff skills being enriched and developed in profound ways. People really do make Glasgow and the commitment from individuals is inspired and inspiring.
"An increasing number of Glasgow’s organisations are signing up to encourage and support their staff to mentor as part of their working week.
"It is a privilege to work with so many people so determined to help young people realise their full potential and be defined by their talent and never their circumstances.
“As well as mentoring, our Talent Taster Programme is expanding and already revolutionising work experience for individuals and organisations alike.
"We have a number of very significant and exciting plans coming to fruition, many of which will be announced after the summer
Maureen McKenna, Executive Director of Education is delighted with the progress of the programme and said today: “Quite simply – working with MCR Pathways has had an incredible impact on the positive destinations of the young people who’ve been mentored.
"Three years ago only 48.8% of our most disadvantaged young people in the city went on to positive destinations on leaving school – to either a job, college or university – this has now jumped to an amazing 81%.
“This is great news for our young people, the city and its organisations, our school staff and of course the mentors.”
Relationship mentoring in Glasgow schools is undoubtedly closing the attainment gap in the city and helping some of our most vulnerable pupils.
As Iain MacRitchie, Founder of MCR Pathways, explains: “Above all else, our project is about the young people and the potential we can all help realise in everyone who becomes a part of the MCR Pathway family.
“The Impact Report is all about the young people’s success stories, the fact and figures, the achievements, case studies, commitments and our bold plans for the future as we look to celebrate 10 amazing years of mentoring and talent development in Glasgow.
"We are very determined to bridge the talent of all our young people with the many opportunities our great city has to offer."