Published Date: Dec 20th, 2024
Learners from the Cowdenbeath "Step In" course have gone above and beyond, raising an incredible £1170 for two meaningful causes: the Department of Additional Support at Lochgelly High School and Teenage Cancer Trust. The funds were presented recently, with heartfelt thanks extended to everyone who supported their efforts.
The "Step In" course, delivered in partnership by Fife Council’s Communities and Neighbourhoods team and Fife College aims to help adults re-engage with learning, build confidence, and gain valuable skills. But this group of learners took it a step further by embarking on a community project that not only helped them grow but also gave back to the community.
The learners organised a festive coffee morning at the Maxwell Centre, featuring handmade jewellery, Christmas crafts, baked goods, a raffle, and a tombola. Their hard work and creativity were matched by the generosity of local businesses, cafes, hairdressers, shops, and the wider Cowdenbeath community. The Cowdenbeath Chatty Choir even stopped by to spread some festive cheer with Christmas songs.
An impressive total of £1170 was raised and divided equally, with £585 going to Teenage Cancer Trust and £585 to Lochgelly High School’s Department of Additional Support. For the group, these causes were deeply personal, with several members having direct connections to both.
Emma Fyfe from the council's Communities and Neighbourhoods team and Linda O’Hare from Fife College, who supported the learners, were full of praise. “The partnership worked well, the group of adult learners worked so hard throughout and the combination of the personal development session such as '5 ways to well being' and courses like food hygiene and first aid, as well as SQA qualifications gave the learners a whole range of skills. The determination, commitment and passion for the community project was outstanding and the coffee morning was a great way to bring the community together whilst raising funds. It’s been a privilege to support such a hardworking group and we are looking forward to the learner’s celebration in January 2025! A massive well done to all our group members.
Cllr Alex Campbell, Cowdenbeath Area Convenor, echoed these sentiments. “This is what Cowdenbeath is all about—community spirit, hard work, and making a real difference. The learners have done something truly special here, and I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. A huge congratulations to everyone involved.”
Brian Sim, Principal Teacher at Lochgelly High School also expressed their gratitude. He said: “We are incredibly thankful for this generous donation. Our Department of Additional Support is a vital community within the school, supporting pupils with a wide range of additional needs. This donation will help us provide the resources and opportunities needed to ensure our pupils reach their potential and leave school with a sense of achievement and self-worth. We’re grateful to the learners for their hard work and to the community for their support.”
The Step In course has long been a stepping stone for adults across Fife, offering personal development opportunities, social connections, and practical qualifications. But for this group, it was also a chance to leave a lasting impact on their community.
