Thurso pupils aim to spruce up town
STUDENTS at Thurso High School are set to have a big say in improving their town when a new initiative giving greater responsibility to young people is introduced next year.
The junior warden scheme will be the first project of its kind in the Highlands, aiming to give youngsters the chance to voice their views on what can be done to make Thurso a better place in which to live.
The scheme is a joint venture between the Ormlie Community Association and Highland Council with plans to extend the initiatives to other Highland towns if it proves successful.
OCA manager Helen Allan said that the scheme is an excellent opportunity for young people to volunteer and help shape their community.
"We’re delighted to get the chance to work with Thurso High School and Highland Council as part of this project," she said.
"We feel that it’s a true reflection of the work we do with young people in encouraging them to be active members of their community."
Tenant participation officer Lorna Simpson and Ormlie mini group co-ordinator Caroline Saxon gave a presentation to first year students about the scheme last week.
As part of the venture, participants will join the council’s community wardens in walkabouts, identifying what they think needs improving or changing. As part of the scheme they will tour local fire and police stations, the SSPCA centre at Balmore and the town’s Key Housing scheme.
After the 12 week programme, the junior wardens will meet regularly to take forward ideas and projects with OCA and the community wardens.
Thurso High deputy rector Ken Murphy believes it is an exciting opportunity for young people to get more involved in their community and for them to make a real difference.
He said: "The question-and-answer session illustrated how interested the pupils were in the project as did the numbers staying back at the end of the presentation to speak to the presenters."
The scheme is to get underway at the beginning of the school term in January.