The GREAT Project, a unique project which keeps Govanhill clean and tidy and at the same time helps young vulnerable people out of trouble has been running for the past three years. The GREAT project helps the disadvantaged and socially excluded young people towards entering into employment, training and independent living. This is done by building their confidence and self esteem and practical skills through work experience and training. Around 14 youths aged between 16 to 25 year olds take part in gardening work which is the main focus of the training and work experience.

 

They clean up green spaces like backcourts and front gardens which helps to improve the area, all of the work is done in Govanhill. Through the cleaning of back courts and local green spaces like civic places, schools and allotments this will also lead to improving the environment. It is also provides them to talk to and get to know local residents whose gardens they cleaning. Through setting up local gardening clubs this also led the local communities to take ownership of the land they work on and feel proud of their community. Many of the youths who they help are anyone who is facing problems in the school, or have left school, unemployed, homeless, drugs and drink problems. Many of them have never worked before and they cannot go to college or university because they don't have the grades. Some of them have chaotic lifestyles through dink and drugs and being made homeless.

 

The project actively targets these because they are the most socially and economically excluded and are most likely not to gain employment. By using diversionary methods this will stop them becoming antisocial and will help reduce crime and youth disorder. The structure of the programme allows them to build up their confidence, self esteem and promotes a sense of personal responsibility. As well as learning about horticulture they also provide training in the using of tools safely, green woodworking, willow weaving, coppicing, stone work, bricklaying, and general landscaping. They also in still a good work ethic like arriving on time, they are also encouraged to take their initiative and take part in group building work.

 

By using diversionary methods this will stop them becoming antisocial and will help reduce crime and youth disorder. The structure of the programme allows them to build up their confidence, self esteem and promotes a sense of personal responsibility. As well as learning about horticulture they also provide training in the using of tools safely, green woodworking, willow weaving, coppicing, stone work, bricklaying, and general landscaping. They also in still a good work ethic like arriving on time, they are also encouraged to take their initiative and take part in group building work.

 

They also provide extra curricular outbound activities which includes trips, football and musical and art workshops and much more. Govanhill Community Development Trust (GCDT) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Govanhill Housing Association. The umbrella group is called the Govanhill Group under which the GREAT project is a part of. One young trainee was 15 year old David who was at Holyrood Secondary school and was sent to the project by his teachers. He was always getting into trouble at school with his teachers and was absent from school on many occasions.

 

He was unable to communicate with people properly and was not academically strong. When the project took him on they realised that as a trainee he showed potential and willingness to learn new skills by being active in the many activities the project was involved in. He then went on to the Langside College's Pathways to Progress course which is aimed at increasing a persons employability and building confidence.

 

David has now secured an apprenticeship with Land and Environmental Services doing horticulture and is currently M/F working in Queens Park. Ian Borthwick GREAT project co-ordinator said, ‘The project has two aims the first is to help the most vulnerable young people who are at the most disadvantaged and help them to become the best they can, while at the same time learning practical skills. The second is to improve our local community green spaces so the people of Govanhill can feel more proud of their community.'