Doon Academy launches two innovative community projects

Doon Academy has launched two very innovative school projects that come with equally innovative names.

‘The Flask’ is a community café run by pupils who have received barista training and ‘Divine’ is a community health and wellbeing centre and spa experience. Both initiatives have involved extensive training for Doon Academy pupils so that they can offer a high quality customer experience for all members of the Doon Valley community.

The projects are the first community projects of their type to be supported by Developing Young Workforce Ayrshire and The Prince’s Trust Scotland.

The innovative school project concept was born and bred in Ayrshire and over 75 of these projects have now been funded in the area with another 15 in the pipeline. There is clear evidence that these projects are improving attainment, positive destination and stay on rates but most importantly helping young people to get ready for the world of work by developing core skills and vocational skills.

Depute Provost Claire Leitch, who is also Children’s Champion, attended the launch and said: “These are fantastic projects that will not only help pupils with the development of employability skills, but their confidence too. From examples of other initiatives, we know that young people from various barista projects are getting employment in coffee shops starting with part time jobs whilst still at school, and other young people are getting jobs in customer facing sectors due to the customer service skills they have developed in school.

“Congratulations go to all of the young people taking part, the head teacher Mr Reilly and Mrs Hetherington in particular for their efforts in getting these highly commendable projects off the ground at Doon Academy.”

A community launch of the projects will take place after the summer break.

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