During this time, over 300 students from across a range of ages, cultures, communities and public organisations have completed the programme. Some students have even used this as a springboard to complete further studies in college or university, with some going on to graduate from the BA Community Development course at Glasgow University.

Margaret Fraser, head of regeneration at ng homes, said: “For some time ng homes and Glasgow University have been working hard to establish a Youth Activate programme, though the difficulty has been trying to organise this during the school term as there were always preparations for exams taking place.

“We were delighted when Youth Activate launched on 16th July 2019 in Saracen House in Possilpark, with 25 young people attending and giving up two weeks of their summer holidays to study with Glasgow University.”

The participants included people from a range of ages and diverse cultural backgrounds and came from a number of local organisations including:

• Glasgow Afghan United
• Glasgow Chinese Recreation Centre
• ng homes tenants
• PSYV (Police Scotland Youth Volunteers)
• Springburn Young People
• Ruchazie Church
• DRC Generations Scotstoun

During the programme, the young people took part in discussions and workshops on a range of important local and global topics. This interactive approach enabled participants to gain rich insights and experiences as they worked and learned alongside ‘others’ who would not normally be part of their ‘circle’. The tutors facilitating the programme commented on the enthusiasm of the young people, highlighting how keen they were to get involved and play an active part in shaping ng homes’ Youth Committee along with the number of young people wanting to follow up with the PSYV (Police Scotland Youth Volunteers) scheme.

Alongside the workshops, the young people worked within groups and selected topics for their Community Investigations, which they presented on the final day of the course. These explored a range of subjects such as facilities for young people in North Glasgow, activities for Afghan United, broader environmental issues, young peoples’ perception of Police and specific safety issues relating to females, amongst others.

Paul Sweeney, MP for Glasgow North East, met the young people during Youth Activate and said: “On Friday 26th July I had the pleasure of meeting with young people who were participating in the Youth Activate programme in North Glasgow. ng homes have been working in partnership with Glasgow University over the past 8 years in the delivery of Activate.

“I was delighted to hear that so many young people gave up more than two weeks of their summer holidays to study with Glasgow University in Saracen House, Possilpark. The young people studied subjects such as Anti-Discriminatory Practice, Local and Global Issues, Community and Globalisation. This is a seriously worthwhile project that can only be of benefit not just to the young people but to the wider community as well. Congratulations to all involved and well done to ng homes and Glasgow University for their involvement. I look forward to meeting and working with these young people in the future.”

On the final day of the Youth Activate programme, all 25 of the young people presented their Community Investigations at Glasgow University, before heading along to the graduation event later that day.

The Activate graduation took place on Monday 29^th July in Glasgow University and was attended by all Activate and Youth Activate students, their family and friends together with elected members and ng homes staff and Board members. A number of other organisations received awards on the night including 13 students from ng homes adult Activate programme.

Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, who attended the graduation ceremony and presented awards, said: “It was inspirational to see the enthusiasm and dedication of so many of my constituents to make a difference in the communities I serve. Over 300 participants have graduated from Glasgow University’s Activate programme since ng homes entered into partnership with the University eight years ago.

“It has been a springboard for further study and achievement for many, and an acknowledgement of the wonderful work everyone already does to contribute to their community. It was particularly heartening to see the first group of Youth Activate graduates get recognition, many of whom I have met across Maryhill and Springburn and witnessed first hand their efforts and commitment to improving their community.

“It was a privilege to present the graduates with their certificates. I pay tribute to their achievements and commend ng homes for their ongoing support of this wonderful initiative.”

John Thorburn, ng homes chair, said: “I was very impressed by the number of people who had taken part in the Activate programme and celebrated their graduation at the award ceremony in Glasgow University. I was especially delighted to see so many young people who had used part of their holiday time to take part in the youth version. They showed that they care passionately about the area and people who live here. I hope that this passion they have will continue to shine through and they are successful in achieving the changes they want to see. Perceptions are only changed by actions and it is clear they are committed to making a positive difference in North Glasgow. Well done to all who took part - carry on with your visions and good work!”

Helen Martin, lecturer from Glasgow University, who was one of the tutors during the course, added: “The University, and in particular the School of Education’s Community Development team are really delighted to have played our part in ensuring young people got the opportunity to participate and contribute to the communities they belong to. They have found their voice and now it’s up to all of us to ensure they have a place to share it.”