Glasgow City Council has pledged to get at least 10% of its workforce to help mentor vulnerable children and young people.
The council’s mentoring project was set up to help vulnerable children stay in education, while improving their grades and career prospects. The scheme is already established in 15 city secondary schools, and has raised school return rate from 31% to 87%.
The new announcement could see nearly 1,800 council employees become directly involved in the scheme.
Annemarie O’Donnell, the council’s chief executive, said: ‘This project is not a one-off, but a long term commitment for us.
’I have set an ambitious target to engage up to 10% of our employees as mentors. I know this vision will be realised as we have some amazing staff who will be keen to embrace this important role.’
The council is asking staff to commit to one hour volunteering a week over two school years.
Iain MacRitchie, founder of MCR Pathways and its Young Glasgow Talent programme added: ‘Glasgow has just radically redefined what being a corporate parent means. It is simply now about being a parent committed to helping all its care experienced and vulnerable young people on an individual basis to find, grow and use their talents.
‘Through the MCR mentoring and talent taster programmes we will bridge potential with opportunity and policy with actions and results. The city’s young people will be defined by their talents and not their circumstances.’
