Jordan is Path Skillz Young Person of the Year

The 15-year-old was presented with the accolade at our annual Volunteer Awards at the Scottish Parliament on September 20 for his work in supporting a community garden project at Parklea Branching Out in Port Glasgow.

Inverclyde Academy pupil Jordan showed enthusiasm and dedication during the Path Skillz course, our five-day learning experience supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The course aims to equip young people with the knowledge and practical skills they need to successfully plan, manage and deliver a community path project.

Jordan took part in the programme during the summer, given up part of his school holidays, and worked with other young people to get the job done. The result was a pathway within the Parklea Branching Out Project that allowed service users as well as members of the public to access further areas of the garden.
Jordan has also been able to develop important life skills that will help him at school including overcoming barriers to learning as well as making friends who can provide support and guidance.
He said: “At first I thought it was going to be really boring but I enjoyed becoming involved. I liked being part of planning out the path with the other members of the team and have enjoyed building it.
“I have learned new skills such as surveying and have also learned to use new tools like the mattock. I was a bit embarrassed at first as I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t like all the writing but the group helped me with that and I really enjoyed the work on the path."

Paul Ross, CLD Youth and Health Worker who nominated Jordan for the award said: “I was most impressed with the level of dedication and maturity shown by Jordan. He represented a high standard and demonstrated the positive ethos of Inverclyde Academy.
“From taking part in this summer activity, Jordan has signed up to take part on other summer-based programmes with the aim of developing further skills.”

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick presented Jordon with the award, a certificate, £250 towards his project and a £30 gift voucher.