Reach the Heights was launched in 2009 to support Welsh young people aged 11-19 who were Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), or who were at risk of becoming NEET.
Today, Thursday, 14 March, Arts Council of Wales will celebrate how this arts project has helped more than 7,500 young people improve their career opportunities, either through the acquisition of formal qualifications, re-entry into the formal education system, or increased confidence and presentational skills.
The Welsh Government initiative is aimed at reducing the number of young people in Wales aged 11-19 who are Neet, or at risk of being so. The project has benefited from European Social Fund (ESF) via the 2007-13 European Convergence programme and since March 2009, a total of £19.6m has been awarded to the scheme, over half of which was for the First Footholds programme in which Arts Council of Wales took part.
Four years later, Arts Council of Wales has supported over 7,500 young people having worked with a range of delivery partners on nearly 80 projects across Wales. Arts Council of Wales’ partners have been universities, FE colleges, arts companies and others involved with helping disadvantaged children and young people. The celebratory event which takes place at Gwyn Hall will showcase real experiences shared by real people who have truly been transformed by this project.
Dai Smith, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said: "The projects have delivered a wide range of arts participation activities and have all focussed on tackling the barriers that prevent young people aged 11-19 remaining in school and moving into further education or employment. As a result, young people feel more confident in their abilities, and acquire some of the practical skills that will help them get a job. It’s why, at the Arts Council of Wales, we believe that a good arts education has a value well beyond the basic enjoyment it provides."
Taking part in the arts and in creative opportunities transforms the way children and young people learn and explore the world around them. It can change the way they see themselves – even what they dream of for the future – as well as helping them to develop specific, practical skills. And if the arts help tackle youth poverty, inspire young people with new ambition and confidence, and challenge poverty of aspiration, then in these straitened economic times, that has to be something worth shouting about.
To read the complete release, click here.
To find out more about the 'Reach the Heights', click here.