Feedback from Scotland Awards 2009

David Lorimer, The Values Programme Director, addressing the audience at the Scottish Parliament

The National Awards Presentation was held at the Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood, on 16th June 2009. Awards were presented by Sir Garth Morrison KT, CBE, OL, ex-Chief Scout and Chairman of the MacRobert Trust.

In Scotland, over 15,000 young people have taken part in the fourth year of the Learning for Life, values education programme. Participants are of mixed ability and aged between 12 and 16.
Young people from across the country have completed a specially designed poster template to reflect on the characteristics of their chosen inspirational figures, relate stories which have inspired them and why, and create a personal reflection section where they consider what they have learnt and how they intend to live life in the future as a result of taking part in the programme.

Who is inspiring Scotland's Young People?

Barack Obama, JK Rowling and Jade Goody are key figures inspiring Scotland's young people. These three names and many others feature prominently in young people's work who took part in this year's national Scottish Learning for Life Values Poster Awards.

The characteristics and values of these figures, their integrity, perseverance and determination are all traits which Scotland's young people consider necessary to lead a successful life.

Even more popular than the well known individuals listed however, are friends and family and in particular the young people's own mothers. The vote for mum reflects many young people's awareness of their own mother's personal sacrifice and efforts to raise her family to the best of her ability, often during times of adversity, divorce, illness and other challenges.

Top 10 Most Inspiring Famous Figures from 2008-2009 Scottish Learning for Life Values Poster Awards

1.     Martin Luther King
2.     Barack Obama
3.     Anne Frank
4.     Jade Goody
5.     Helen Keller
6.     JK Rowling
7.     Kylie Minogue
8.     Mother Teresa
9.     Nelson Mandela
10.     Lance Armstrong

A Record of Success

During the last four years, Learning for Life has expanded rapidly as teachers have witnessed many young people succeeding through the programme who have otherwise been lower achievers. Through the programme they have been able to show great personal insight through their engagement with the exercise which has then had an effect on the young person's confidence and education overall.

A New Scottish Charity

The Values Programme Director, David Lorimer spoke of the programme's next development - setting up a Scottish charity to focus on values education. "We are currently setting up a Scottish charity in order to take our work forward in Scotland. As well as running the Values Poster Programme, the charity will seek to develop partnerships with other Scottish organisations working in the field of values and character development. Nothing could be more important than developing the positive qualities and capacities of our young people so as to enhance their chances of both personal fulfillment and professional success."

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