The Back to School Pack Project was formed with the support of our church Re:Hope from a desire to support disadvantaged children and young people of our local community in the north west of Glasgow. When we asked local services who support the most vulnerable what we could do that would have the biggest and most sustainable impact for these young people, this project was born. Statistics show that children who don’t have what they need when term starts are far more likely to play truant as a consequence and even when they don’t skip school, not having what they need clearly impacts on their ability to do homework, practise writing/pencil control skills etc. Either way provision of this basic kit makes a massive difference. The impact of the pandemic makes this year’s project more important than ever. Children and young adults in vulnerable or impoverished settings have been forced to bare a disproportionate impact during the pandemic with fears that this could even further widen the gap in educational attainment. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of injustice like this and to feel that there is just nothing that we can do to help.

But there is something we can do.

For the price of a meal out for two people we can provide the appropriate kit for these young people to go back to school with all the positive impact that this has. To support their learning both at home and at school.

This is what your donations will provide:

£20-25 will provide a primary age pack:

-a school bag, a water bottle, a pencil case filled with stationary, writing utensils, colouring pens and pencils and a colouring pad, home learning workbook or reading book.

£35-£40 will provide a secondary pack:

-a school bag, scientific calculator, maths set, pencil case filled with stationary, writing utensils, highlighters etc, a folder, dividers and paper.

Our current request list for specific children and young people who would benefit from a bag runs at 178. Last year this number grew to over 500 and we anticipate this may well be the case again this year. Any donation amount would therefore be gratefully received. We have a very limited time scale given the challenges posed by COVID-19 - we need to deliver all packs by Monday 27th July - however we are confident that with your support, we can provide every child on our list with a pack that has lasting benefits. Thank you!