A PUPIL mentoring scheme operating in Argyll and Bute’s secondary schools has had its success hailed by councillors and officials.
The MCR Pathways programme, which sees youngsters paired with a mentor, was first introduced in three of the area’s secondary schools in 2023.
It now operates in nine of the schools, with plans in place for introduction in the 10th and final one, with 273 young people currently being supported.
A report detailing its successes was considered at a meeting of the council’s community services committee on Thursday, June 4.
Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) said: “It will be no surprise to anybody that I am a supporter of this programme. When it first came to council it is the only thing that has made me feel like crying in a good way.
“It had the potential to make such a difference to so many of our disadvantaged young people. While the report is great, what is even better is to actually be there.
“I would recommend people not already mentoring to have a go. I see, every week when I go in, young people laughing and chatting with their mentors.
“The confidence that has increased in some of these young people is simply unbelievable. Thank you to the central team and all co-ordinators in all schools who are making a massive difference on a daily basis.”
Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) then asked what work was being done with colleges, universities and employers to continue the progress.
Head of education Jennifer Crocket responded: “In the planning we do with all those partners, our MCR co-ordinators are now part of those meetings directly with them.
“Feedback from young people involved and mentors is at the core, but you will understand we are also looking at the feedback we are getting from our destinations.
“Young people are entering training or work with increased confidence to look an adult in the eye and introduce themselves.
“As we move forward what we will look to do is capture that in the report produced by MCR, who work with us and are looking at what the new part of the report will look like.
“This programme is a real team effort and we are really proud of the fact that it has become part of the core business of the education service.”
