For the third successive year Scottish Widows has supported the Children’s University.
The company was the original lead sponsor in 2013 when the Isle of Man Children’s University was set up and held its first graduation ceremony at St German’s Cathedral, an event for which it funded the graduates’ mortar boards and gowns.
Scottish Widows has continued its support, in 2014 sponsoring a further 40 caps and gowns, swelling the number to 100, and in 2015 providing, as in previous years, volunteers at the graduation ceremony. This year saw 71 children aged five to 14 celebrate their achievements and receive their certificates from Minister for Education and Children Tim Crookall MHK, who was joined by Debbie Bird, head of local support and development from the Children’s University nationally; artist Dr Jeremy Paul, chancellor of the Isle of Man Children’s University; and John Gill, a local trustee.
Children’s University rewards young people’s participation in activities that take place outside the school day. Children purchase passports and gain stamps by visiting validated ‘public learning destinations’. Certificates charting their progress are awarded at graduation ceremonies.
Children also gain stamps by attending their own schools’ lunchtime and after-school activities, provided their school is a Children’s University partner.
Membership of Children’s University gives passport-holders access to accredited learning destinations and events across the UK and beyond.
Children’s learning accrues, their first award being for 30+ hours and the highest for 730+ hours.
Scottish Widows’ managing director Juan Clarke said: ‘The valuable learning experience the Children’s University provides extends far beyond the academic. It helps children gain self-confidence and prepare them for higher education and the world of work. We have been pleased to support the objectives of the Children’s University and I congratulate these young graduates on their achievements.’
Photo - Children’s University 2015 graduates in mortar boards and gowns sponsored by Scottish Widows. The company’s managing director Juan Clarke is pictured extreme left back row with trustee John Gill, Scottish Widows’ Amanda Shimmin and Children’s University chancellor Dr Jeremy Paul. Photo Morrison Photos.
