The group will become the SYP’s Associate National Voluntary Organisation.
Sistema Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) have announced a new partnership, with Sistema becoming an Associate National Voluntary Organisation of the SYP.
The announcement is a significant milestone in both organisations' journeys and aligns perfectly with Sistema’s mission of using music as a tool for social change.
Joining SYP as an Associate NVO provides Sistema with an incredible opportunity to expand and deepen our youth voice work and give children and young people a powerful platform to have their voices heard on the national stage.
Last weekend’s National Sitting of SYP in Aberdeen was attended by two young people from Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise Torry programme.
Sistema Scotland operates Big Noise, the transformational music education programme which uses the symphony orchestra as a tool for social change.
The approach revolves around the belief that the symphony orchestra can become a life-changing force within targeted communities.
Paul Sullivan, Sistema Scotland’s director for children, young people and communities, said: “We are absolutely delighted to join the Scottish Youth Parliament as an Associate National Voluntary Organisation.
“This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission of empowering the children and young people in our Big Noise communities through music and community engagement.
“This exciting new opportunity offers our children and young people a powerful platform to have their voices heard on a national stage, and to represent the wonderful communities that we work with on a daily basis.”
Beyond music education, Sistema Scotland’s main goal is to strengthen community cohesion and address inequalities in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas.
Currently, the organisation operates Big Noise programs in Raploch and Fallin in Stirling, Govanhill in Glasgow, Douglas in Dundee, Torry in Aberdeen, and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh.
Big Noise also provides opportunities for children and young people that they may not otherwise have access to. In addition to high-quality music education, children and young people can engage in various community activities and benefit from residential trips during school breaks.
Becoming an Associate NVO of the Scottish Youth Parliament gives Sistema a unique opportunity to enhance the commitment to amplifying the voices of young people in our Big Noise communities.
The aim at Big Noise is to support children and young people to have agency and ownership over their full Big Noise journey, but also within their wider community and Scotland as a whole.
The new partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament means that children and young people now have a powerful platform to express their thoughts, concerns, ideas and aspirations at a national level.
By working closely with SYP, young people can advocate for policies and initiatives that support the well-being and development of young people in Scotland.
Mollie McGoran MSYP, SYP chair, said: “It’s great to have Sistema Scotland on board as an Associate National Voluntary Organisation! Sistema does excellent work in communities across Scotland through their Big Noise program.
“We’re looking forward to seeing our relationship grow and develop, both including Sistema’s Youth Voice initiatives as well as ensuring the voices of the children and young people they work with are represented within SYP.”
