Graeme is delighted to have this week lodged the following motions in Parliament-congratulating the Junk Kouture winners from Arbroath High School, highlighting the Enable Scotland report “Included in the Main?!”, and congratulating Monifieth and District Rotary Club on being presented with a Rotary Foundation Award.
Motion S5M-04020That the Parliament congratulates the Arbroath High School pupils, Megan Watson and Catherine Sim, and their teacher, Robyn Wade, on winning the Enterprising Award at the Junk Kouture Scotland 2017 final; understands that the team created the Power of the Poppy using inspiration from Flanders Field, and that the materials they used included tea stained newspaper, painted mesh, remembrance poppies and old garden wire; acknowledges that the trio were recognised for going above and beyond to get the local community on board to vote for them, and that their entry was described as being impactful and telling a wonderful and important story; notes that Junk Kouture Scotland challenges young aspiring fashion designers to come up with truly spectacular creations, while reinforcing the importance of recycling and reusing waste, and wishes Megan and Catherine continuing success with their studies and careers.
Motion S5M-04016That the Parliament recognises the campaign, Included in the Main?!, and the conclusion of a national conversation about the reality of educational experiences for children and young people who have learning disabilities, by ENABLE Scotland, which, it understands, is the largest voluntary organisation in the country for children and adults with learning disabilities and their families; notes that the national conversation looked at inclusive education and what it means for pupils who have learning disabilities; understands that the campaign has since engaged with over 800 young people, their parents and carers, and the education workforce, to talk about their experiences and consider what makes education truly inclusive; believes that the country has come a long way from when people with learning disabilities were viewed as “ineducable” but considers that inclusive education is still far from a reality for many and that this can have whole-life consequences; acknowledges that a report, 22 Steps on the Journey to Inclusion, has been published as a result of the national conversation, which makes 22 recommendations and acknowledges that inclusive education is not about school setting or placement, but rather that all children should receive an inclusive education in a setting that best meets their educational and developmental needs, and notes the view that it is time to talk about how to make that vision a reality in Angus South and across Scotland.
Motion S5M-04085That the Parliament congratulates Monifieth and District Rotary Club on receiving a Rotary Foundation Award for its support of two Village Water projects in Zambia’s Western Province; understands that this work has helped to transform the lives of 355 people in the villages of Kalwizhi and Kawi; believes that the club decided to take action following a report published in August 2015, which found that 22% of people in those villages were affected by diarrhoea and 33% had eye infections, with many having scabies too; notes that the funding from club was used to create new wells as well as to provide spare parts; understands that two local water committees were set up to oversee the changes and organise a water pump maintenance rota so that repairs were readily available; notes that the projects led to a system based on two barrels for latrines being constructed in the villages, and welcomes the fundraising efforts of all of those involved with the Monifieth and District Rotary Club.
