Year of Young People 2018: Shining a Light on the Future

This is an exciting themed year that’s designed to shine a light on the fantastic contributions young people make to Scotland. The Year will inspire all of Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally.

YOYP will mark the first time that any country has ever dedicated an entire year to young people and their accomplishments. We’ve also made sure that every step in the process of designing the Year has been influenced by Scotland’s youth. This means they have been a part of everything, from the larger decisions around aims and themes, right through to the brand logo.

Building on previous successes

YOYP is the latest in a line of hugely successful themed years that have been taking place in Scotland since 2009. All of these have been designed to showcase the very best that Scotland and its people has to offer. From themes around our world-famous food and drink, to our breath-taking scenery and cultural beauty, each year has built on the successes of its predecessor.

For the inaugural themed year back in 2009 we focused on ‘Homecoming’, which proved to be an incredible success. A huge range of events were created, aimed at encouraging the more than 50 million people around the world who claim Scottish ancestry to visit. The year proved to be such a hit that, in 2014, we again turned the focus to this theme, with the XX Commonwealth Games and golf’s Ryder Cup proving to be major highlights.

Challenging perceptions and making history

This year’s theme is an excellent opportunity for all generations to come together. It will provide a platform for everyone in Scotland aged between 8 and 26 and give them a stronger voice on the issues that affect their lives and futures. It will also allow them to challenge common perceptions of young people in society by showcasing their ideas and abilities.

Since planning for Year of Young People started in 2015, Scotland’s youth have been at the very heart of the process. They led the initial in-depth consultations with hundreds of their peers up and down the country before making recommendations on what the top priorities and goals should be. More than 600 young people and 200 stakeholders took part in this process, to make sure that many different opinions were considered.

Creating Communic18

To take forward these ideas, and put the plan into action, a brand new team was created. Called ‘Communic18’, the team brought together a group of 35 young people between the ages of 8 and 24 from all across Scotland. This team will be in place from launch right through to legacy, ensuring that young people will continue to influence the design, delivery and decision making of Year of Young People.

In addition to this group, a massive 500 Year of Young People ambassadors were also selected to help support the year. Throughout the next 12 months they will promote events in their respective local areas as well as creating opportunities in their communities for their peers. By working closely with older generations, they will also be able to highlight their strengths and showcase their achievements, delivering better understanding, co-operation and respect between generations.

Pillars

More than 50 exciting events have been spread throughout the year, meaning there will be plenty for everyone to get involved with. These activities will also revolve around the six key pillars which will guide everything that’s done throughout Year of Young People. These themes are:

Culture:

To share and celebrate young people’s talent and contribution to Scottish culture and arts.

Education:

To allow young people to have more say in their education and learning.

Enterprise and Regeneration:

To celebrate young people’s role in innovation, entrepreneurship and the Scottish economy as well as making Scotland a greener and more pleasant place to live.

Equality and Discrimination:

To recognise the positive impact of young people in Scotland and encourage them to take the lead in challenging all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

Health and Wellbeing:

To make sure young people have the chance to lead healthy, active lives and understand the importance of mental health and resilience.

Participation:

To give young people the chance to influence decisions that affect their lives.

Year of Young People is set to be yet another amazing themed year, not only for the people involved, but also the many people attending the events. All our themed years aim to celebrate our greatest assets and 2018 is no different, as we champion one of our most important: our children and young people. The hope is that Year of Young People will be the most memorable themed year yet, as Scotland leads the way in recognising the value and importance of youth!

 Click here to find out more about The Year of Young People 2018.