Initiated by DaisyChainAsssociates, Circle Scotland and the Cockburn Association to build on achievements in ‘Saltire Sky’ and ‘Heritage Detectives’ projects in 2010/2011, this project invites young people from peripheral estates to participate in a programme exploring aspects of built and natural heritage within Edinburgh’s remarkable cityscape.
Identification of cities as being dominated by immovable and long standing buildings, translates into acceptance of unacceptable situations. Young people are disconnected from ownership or enjoyment of their surroundings see their actual and personal landscapes dictated by circumstances, experiences and stagnation. Instead of bemoaning this, the project utilises this friction and energy by creating interplay between youngsters and City, natural and built, seeking existing and creating new areas of connectivity through informal learning models and observing what results from a varied and versatile programme.
The project brings together key people and organisations with capacity to develop shared vision to be translated into a programme of activities based on this. The aim is to connect with the ‘hard to reach’ youngsters in a meaningful and practical way, and provide a programme of workshops where everyone has fun and is challenged.
The benefits for the youngsters included:
Stimulus and experiences that help unlock factors tending towards social exclusion, poverty of achievement and aspiration, broader horizons in personal and social landscapes.
Recognition of cities as environments with inherent factors that can be retranslated and rethought in every sense, awakening appreciation and enhancing life experiences.
Awakened intellect and ideas mean active participation important contemporary debates, contribute to active citizenship, carry ideas and activities forward generationally – a sort of environmental enfranchisement.
"Our Natural Capital"
Challenged factors and developed ideas that will help bridge the gap between outlying communities and the inner city. It enabled disadvantage young people to explore and learn about the Natural Heritage of the City of Edinburgh. Other outcomes include experiential partnership, mutual learning and networking between diverse organisations, with various disciplines and practices brought together, and development of self and social confidence on the part of participants...
... And to enjoy the process, develop peer groups and friendships, and build on self and social confidence.
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