Extending the substantial amount of activity the Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF) is undertaking within skills hubs in city schools, the charity has announced details of a three-year partnership with Raccortubi UK, who will support the cooking and nutrition classes in Sunnybank Primary.
Raccortubi’s Andy Troup and John Kidd stopped by to take part in a cooking session with the P7's and managing director Andy Troup explained why they decided to get involved.
He said: “After several discussions with the team at RAF, it was clear that the great work they do within Aberdeen City was something we really wanted to be involved with.
"It’s very important to give something back to our local community and there was no better way in doing this than supporting the foundation.
"A lot of people might think the Russell Anderson Foundation just offers football, but I can assure you it offers so much more, the charity’s main aim is to improve the lives of children in social deprived areas and to make a difference to their health and wellbeing.
“After visiting the hub recently, we were blown away with the skills the children learn within the hub, from learning to make a healthy, nutritional meal for as little at 39p, to being encouraged to communicate, work as a team, engage and flourish within a safe and controlled environment.
“We really are proud to partner with the foundation and help to see the children grow in confidence.”
As part of this initiative, Jacqui Alexander, RAF education and development manager, who delivers these classes alongside school staff and RAF coaches added: “The skills hub, funded by Raccortubi, is having a wholly positive impact on the Sunnybank learners' overall education and delivers numerous benefits.
"It is helping them develop essential life skills such as following instructions, understanding measurements, budgeting and learning about nutrition.
“Cooking sessions have encouraged creativity, improved maths and science comprehension, and fostered an appreciation for diverse cultures through food. Additionally, we are seeing a boost of confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment and pride in learners."
The three-year commitment from Raccortubi UK enhances the sustainability of the work RAF is delivering and gives reassurance, to both the school staff and learners, that the foundation is invested in their future.
Formed in 2012, the Russell Anderson Foundation began by delivering free football sessions to children in some of the more socially deprived areas of the city.
These days, what RAF does encompasses so much more than just football.
The whole ethos of the foundation is to empower children to make good decisions and give them a chance to reach their potential.
RAF works with over 2,000 children on a weekly basis across its partner schools in the city and, although a large part of the work remains focused on health and well-being and being physically active, RAF also works with the schools in other areas to improve attainment levels and help with better outcomes for the pupils.
This includes practical cooking lessons, food support, mentoring programmes, workplace visits and employability opportunities to name some of the programmes RAF is currently delivering.