Dundee Youngsters Urged to 'Go for It'

The University recently hosted a special event to encourage young people from across Dundee to find out more about what their home city has to offer.

Launched by Dundee United footballing stars Garry Kenneth and Greg Cameron, 'Go Young People Dundee' was a day filled with fun, music, sport, culture and health that gave city youngsters the chance to sample a range of activities, find out about careers and health issues and catch a glimpse of life on a university campus.

The event was organised under the auspices of the Dundee Partnership and involved the University, Dundee City Council, Careers Scotland, Abertay University, Dundee College, Dundee Rep, NHS Tayside and a wide variety of voluntary sector partners.

Based in and around the city's Cultural Quarter - with a focus on Dundee University Students' Association building - the programme of events included street dance, fashion and DJ workshops, exhibitions, live bands, video games, films, cookery demonstrations, sports taster sessions and a disco.

Free entry to Dundee Contemporary Arts and Sensation was also on offer to those who attended the event.

Professor Geoff Ward, Deputy Principal of the University of Dundee, said he hoped the day would encourage young people to think about the range of opportunities open to them.

"The aim of this event was to bring young people from all over Dundee to the university campus and the Cultural Quarter and make the links between the city and the university." he said. "It is about saying to youngsters - this area is part of your city and it is here for you to explore and enjoy.

"It is about building confidence and self-esteem and giving young people the ability to make the most of their city. It is also about giving young people a clearer picture of the education opportunities that exist here.

"We particularly wanted to reach those who might think that university is not for people like them. By hosting some of the events in DUSA we hope to help make imagining life as a student a more real possibility."

Stewart Murdoch, Dundee City Council Director of Leisure and Communities, who chaired the planning group, added that the event was aimed at encouraging youngsters in the city to 'go for it.'

"We want to promote that attitude and we're hoping that the workshops and different events helped do that."

Lord Provost John Letford said: "The 'Go Young People Dundee' event is an exciting way to inspire and educate our youngsters at the same time."