'Urban Uprising' is a charity which seeks to offer to children from underprivileged urban areas the opportunity to experience the exhilaration and sense of achievement offered by hill and rock climbing.
The idea originated in Brazil and specifically in the slums of Rio de Janeiro where so many children live in a world of deprivation and limited horizons. A group of youngsters was taken out of this environment and given the opportunity to experience the thrills and challenges of this outdoor activity. The result was seen as successful in terms of an improvement in their mental and social well-being – in team work, in communication skills and in resilience.
The Brazil initiative was followed up by similar exercises in the Philippines and in South Africa and work is now under way to launch the concept in Scotland.
Dumbarton has been chosen for this first UK exercise because it offers the unique facility of the Dumbarton Rock within easy access of deprived areas in which youngsters feel socially excluded and turn to drugs, alcohol and anti-social activities.
The scheme will start with eight two-hour taster sessions with the objective of achieving 120 participants in 2016 in the age range of 8–18 and it is hoped that links can be made with other achievement award schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
In answer to questions Jennie confirmed that Urban Uprising was in contact with the Ratho indoor climbing facility and with the Edinburgh District Council and Sarah said their constitution provided for the possibility of encompassing other outdoor activities in the future but that the focus was on climbing since this was an activity not covered by other charities.
Jennie said she hoped the Club might consider supporting the Dumbarton initiative. The first year costs were expected to be in the order of £2,500.
David Cormack thanked Jennie and Sarah for their interesting and thought provoking presentation.
Report by Mike Rowe
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