Awards go to top Ross volunteers
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A PROJECT helping boost life skills at two Ross-shire schools and an inspirational volunteer have both been honoured at a council awards ceremony.
The Literacy Ambassadors initiative sees senior pupils from Dingwall Academy working with P6s and P7s at Ben Wyvis Primary School in Conon Bridge to boost their literacy skills.
The project won the supporting people to learn and thrive award at the recent 2018 Highland Council Quality Awards.
The event heard how primary pupils have not only gained valuable literacy skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn, while secondary pupils taking part have gained valuable employability experience, developing key skills in project planning, problem solving, communication, teamwork and leadership.
A member of staff at Dingwall Academy said: “The senior students have worked so well with the primary pupils. It is a real delight to see how they inspire.”
Another Ross-shire winner was Tom Grant, from Lochbroom Leisure, who was nominated for a community award by the local community council.
A full time leisure assistant at Lochbroom Leisure, as well as coaching swimming to all ages he also runs a popular swimming club as a volunteer, teaching children to be safe, happy and confident in the water.
Last year the club won its first competition medal in a long time – giving the young competitors a real boost.
In March, the antics of Mr Grant and his colleagues became a surprise internet hit when they “swam” through deep snow that had accumulated on the local tennis courts. The sponsored stunt raised £2800 to support the local swimming pool.
In their nomination the community council said: “Tom doesn’t just do a great job of encouraging and inspiring the people with whom comes into contact through his work and his volunteering, his infectious enthusiasm and energy is a positive influence on the wider community.
“We want him to know much we all appreciate him.”
