Youthlink Scotland says youth work is key to closing the attainment gap but the sector needs the funds and policy support to do it
Better funding of youth work is key to closing Scotland’s attainment gap, a national youth work agency has blasted.
Ahead of May’s Scottish Parliament election Youthlink Scotland has released a manifesto in which it callson the next Scottish Government to invest significantly in youth work and place a greater policy emphasis on the value that the sector’s activity provides.
“Youth work needs financial investment,” the manifesto says.
YouthLink Scotland members tell us regularly that politicians and other professionals must place more value on youth work
“The youth work sector is experiencing a decline in core and project funding, and cycles of short term funding make it difficult to plan and sustain services.
“YouthLink Scotland members tell us regularly that politicians and other professionals must place more value on youth work.”
The youth work sector in Scotland reaches around 380,000 young people each week and is often hailed for being able to provide a non-formal place of learning for those not suited to a school environment.
Youthlink insists it's there that youth work can play an essential role in closing the attainment gap by working alongside formal education providers, but can only do this if it is funded properly.
In what it describes as a ‘national call to action’ the chartiy, which represents over 100 organisations, has has made a series of 14 asks of Scottish politicians.
These include a three-year capital fund to ensure facilities and resources are fit for purpos and sustained investment through Cashback for Communities and the National Voluntary Organisations Support Fund.
Youthlink also wants investment in research to understand the impact of youth work and more employer supported volunteering opportunities to boost volunteer numbers,
The manifesto adds: “We believe that if the attainment gap is to be closed for those most at risk from under achievement then a partnership between formal education and youth work is essential.
“This would ensure that a mix of learning styles and opportunities are available both inside and outside of school.
“This requires strategic investment and a greater policy emphasis on the value that youth work activity brings to young people and society.”
The manifesto launch has been supported by young people involved in youth work who are visiting 188 politicians over the next month.
Yusuf Desai and Muhammad Mahmood who are working towards their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and Suleman Rehman who is working with a team at Southside Housing Association to design a new youth work project met with First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon (pictured above).
