YOUNGSTERS at a Renfrewshire school have been ‘virtually’ praised for their social enterprise success.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney hailed the efforts of pupils at Bargarran Primary, in Erskine, who have been operating a community café to help bring people together.

Before lockdown restrictions were imposed in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus, the school had been welcoming guests from two local care homes.

And, during the Covid-19 pandemic, pupils have continued to offer their support to older residents in the area through a ‘Pictures for Care Homes’ initiative, which has involved them making artwork and sharing positive messages.

Mr Swinney praised the Erskine youngsters at the 13th Social Enterprise in Education Awards ceremony, which took place virtually through Google Classrooms last week.

He said: “It is inspiring to see the innovative social enterprise activity being developed in schools and by pupils.

“Through responding to the Covid-19 pandemic in such a proactive and supportive way for their communities, these young people have been bringing the Curriculum for Excellence to life in the most creative manner while developing essential skills for the future, including resilience, adaptability and curiosity.”

The virtual awards ceremony featured a ‘marketplace room’ where those who had logged on could buy products from school-based social enterprises.

Pupils at Bargarran Primary also had access to a personalised online awards room, where they were able to download their school’s award certificate.

The Social Enterprise in Education programme was created as a partnership between the Social Enterprise Academy and the Scottish Government in 2007.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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