BUDDING entrepreneurs at a Port school have brokered a £3,000 deal for an Inverclyde charity.

Third year students at St Stephen’s High took part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) and secured cash for Jericho House, which runs male and female rehabilitation centres helping recovering drug addicts.

Seven groups competed for the money for their various charities, carrying out detailed research into their respective organisations and going on fact-finding visits.

They then presented their case studies to a judging panel at a grand final, explaining why their cause was worthy of the funding.

The winning team was made up of Niamh Kelly, Grace Lynch, Marc McGachy and Christopher Munslow, who presented a cheque to Jericho project manager Michael Trail and service users John McGlinchey and Hugh McDougall.

Pupil Grace, 13, said: “We’re really happy we won. We put a lot of effort into it and it’s good knowing the money is going to a good cause.”

Team-mate Niamh, 14, says the win was extra special because the charity is one close to their hearts.

She said: “We’ve had people in our families who’ve struggled with addiction so being able to help others was really beneficial for us.”

The challenge was also an important learning curve for the group.

Marc, 14, said: “I learned what a great charity Jericho is and how easy it is to become an addict — it can come from nothing, just peer pressure.”

Christopher added: “Winning the money for the charity was the best bit for me, especially because family members have been through the programme.

“It’s good knowing it’s going to a good cause.”

The judging panel was made up of national judge Alistair Cairns, school chaplain Fr Eoin Patton, Margaret Nash, who is an educational psychologist, and chemistry teacher Catherine Templeton.

The contest is backed by The Wood Foundation.
Jericho service manager Michael was overwhelmed by the professionalism and dedication shown by the pupils.

He said: “There were a lot of good presentations but the one from the winners was absolutely amazing.”

Jericho service user John added: “They put a lot of effort in and deserve a huge thank-you.

“We appreciate what they’ve done and the fact they’ve donated the money to Jericho will help a lot of people.”