Edinburgh-based Curiosity Collective has supported over 15,000 young people.
A rebranded charity based in Edinburgh has announced the appointment of Chloe Goodall as the charity’s new executive director.
Ms Goodall started with the charity over five years ago and led the development of the organisation’s ‘Wonderbox’ programme, which has reached over 8,000 under-supported children and young people since the start of the pandemic.
Originally established in 2013 as Children’s University Scotland, the charity rebranded as Curiosity Collective last year to increase its appeal to all ages.
With a vision to ensure all children in Scotland are given the freedom to explore and enjoy learning outwith school, Curiosity Collective creates and distributes free and accessible resources designed to improve children’s skills, confidence and wellbeing.
The charity has now reached over 15,000 under-supported children across Scotland to date.
Chloe Goodall, executive director of Curiosity Collective, said “I am proud and honoured to step up and lead the organisation.
“By 2030, it’s thought that as many as one in three children will be growing up in poverty; a situation made worse by the impact of COVID-19 and the bleak reality of the current cost-of-living crisis.
“As a result, young people are missing out on opportunities to learn and have fun that boost their confidence and help to build skills for life.
“Curiosity Collective gives children the freedom to explore a world of learning beyond the classroom. We provide immediate support and long-term solutions for under-supported children who are shut out due to poverty and hardship, including urban and rural communities. We have ambitious targets and I look forward to making them happen with our committed partners.”
Curiosity Collective created the Wonderbox resource at the start of the pandemic to provide vital resources to inspire and enable under-supported children to learn and keep mentally well through the height of the restrictions.
The resource has been hugely successful and is now an integral part of the charity’s long-term offering. Over 8,000 children have benefitted from the “Wonderbox” to date and 95% of survey respondents say it helped them to feel less isolated and stressed.
Mary De La Peña, chair of Curiosity Collective, said “We are absolutely thrilled that Chloe has agreed to lead the organisation as our new Executive Director. Since starting with Curiosity Collective in 2016, Chloe has impressed us all with her passion and determination in helping under-supported children across Scotland.
“Our programmes and activities have never been needed more. As children and families struggle to cope with the extreme loss of learning through the pandemic and growing mental health concerns amongst young people, we need to work harder than ever to reach those who need us most with the best possible support.
“We are confident that Chloe will continue our great successes, leading the organisation from strength to strength in our ambitions to support over 150,000 children by 2030.”
