A PHILANTHROPIST and entrepreneur is turning his back on a high-flying career in the world of business to dedicate his time to a project which works to transform the lives of vulnerable young people.
Iain MacRitchie has pledged to dedicate the next five years of his life to the MCR Pathways scheme, which he set up to provide children with a background in the care system access to a better future.
Supported by The Herald, the project has created a network of 200 mentors who provide one-to-one support for disadvantaged teenagers in six schools in Glasgow, and is now looking to expand.
Mr MacRitchie, who has enjoyed a hugely successful career as a business advisor and company chairman, said the next step is to grow that number to 500 and take it to every school in his native city.
He said: "We're at the stage where we have completed the first phase and attracted 200 mentors, but now the dream is to do this citywide and take it across the 29 schools in Glasgow.
"The MCR Pathways is something that's challenging social inequality, and it's working. I can't not be a part of this as it expands and tackles an issue that's been irreconcilable for decades.
"In five years down the line I want this approach to be the norm across Glasgow and beyond and for no-one to even think it was ever a revolutionary idea."
MCR Pathways matches volunteer adult mentors to disadvantaged pupils to allow them to share the benefit of their life experience outside of a classroom setting.
Young people are guided towards higher education or a job in the workplace from someone who can answer their questions and provide advice from their own perspective.
The next step is to expand into another four schools in the city by the end of the year, then a further six next year, repeating the process for five years.
After that, Mr MacRitchie said he will take stock and think about returning to his old job.
He said: "I'm putting my career on hold because this is something I believe in absolutely. The success we have achieved so far has been incredible, but it is only the start.
"We have challenges and will always have those who say we can’t and will fail. I live by the rule that you only fail when you give up.
"We will never give up on a young person and simply refuse to accept that there should be any difference in education outcomes and life chances based on postcode or family circumstances. This is for the long term and not an initiative or one off project."
More than 80 per cent of children in care leave school on or before they are 16. Only two per cent make it to higher education. This makes them four times more likely than their peers to be unemployed.
Mr MacRitchie said: “The heartbreak is these young people are academically capable but get held back due to instability in their personal lives.”
Funding for the scheme will come from Mr MacRitchie's own charitable foundation, as well as Glasgow City Council and other partners, with more being sought as it expands.
The Scottish Funding Council, Glasgow Life, Strathclyde University, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and the SECC have also signed up to open the scheme up to any members of their staff who wish to volunteer.
Mr MacRitchie added: "We will make this business as usual across the city. In fact my objective is to be forgotten in 10 years time as people will think that this is just the way our young people are supported.
“For them disadvantage is something that is experienced and not a choice.
"It can have a devastating impact on confidence, education and life chances. Our mentors and talent development provides pathways for the young people to find, grow and use their talents.
“This is by far the best thing I have ever done and gives everyone involved, whether young people, mentors or their employers, the opportunity to make a life changing impact.”
THE Herald is supporting The MCR Pathways Project campaign to recruit more new mentors for disadvantaged young people in and around Glasgow.
If you are a motivated, committed adult you could offer the support these young people need to overcome the barriers that mean so few currently make it to higher and further education.
An hour a week, plus travelling time, and a willingness to be a listening ear and put a young person first are the only skills you will need to help turn around someone’s life.
All necessary training and support will be given.
To get involved, visit www.mcrpathways.org/#herald or contact Donna Cunningham on donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.uk
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