19 Nov 2024
New research commissioned by Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) has revealed that innovative approaches to rural education are vital for community sustainability.
The study comes as communities locally and across Scotland grapple with falling school rolls, challenges to delivering tailored and high quality education, and the impact of these issues on rural populations and sustainability.
The research report, produced by community based social enterprise, Community Development Lens (CoDeL), is published today (Tuesday 19 November) and highlights three key findings:
Education provision is critical to the long term sustainability and population levels of an area.
There are communities in Scotland and further afield already addressing education challenges in innovative and cost effective ways.
Locally, the issue must be addressed in the context of existing policy as well as the aspirations of the Glenkens community and the Glenkens & District Community Action Plan.
Case studies from Perthshire and the Outer Hebrides, as well as from Dumfries and Galloway itself, also demonstrate how developing links between education and the local economy can create effective pathways for young people into the many good local job opportunities now available in rural communities.
During summer 2024, CoDeL reviewed existing research, engaged with relevant people and organisations in Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia, and spoke to representatives of schools elsewhere in rural Scotland. It was important that local people were involved and could build links and share ideas, so CoDeL also engaged with local parents and employers, and met with the Executive Director of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing at Dumfries and Galloway Council, Gillian Brydson.
Theona Morrison, Director at CoDeL, said:
“Our research confirmed the critical role that education plays in sustaining rural populations. Evidence from the research suggests there are many proven strategies for education to help sustain and build rural communities. Combined with the passion, commitment and deep understanding of education we found within local communities, and with the Council’s priority to tackle depopulation, the research findings suggest there is a real opportunity to develop education provision in the Glenkens that is innovative and transformational.”
Fiona Smith, Chair of GDT, said:
“GDT is pleased to have supported this report by CoDeL. We know that as a funder, GDT does not have the expertise or remit to make recommendations on policy. However, we are also keenly aware that this is a matter of great local import. As our role is to resource, enable and stimulate community development in the Glenkens, we felt the best contribution we could make was to use our community benefit funding to support a resource that will inform the debate and offer inspiration based on what is being achieved in other regions.
We strongly encourage interested parties and especially decision makers to use this tool and reflect on what can be learned from it.”
GDT is considering ways in which community members, organisations and decision makers can learn more about the report and consider its findings. More information will be available soon at www.glenkenstrust.org.uk.
The full report and appendices can be found on the Community Action Plan page.