Education Hub Receives £6,200 Grant From Allied Vehicles

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is pleased to announce a successful funding application from Volunteer Tutors Organisation Ltd (VTO). VTO has been awarded the sum of £6,200 to support their Learning Hubs in the Possilpark area of Glasgow.

Established in 1974, gaining registered charity status in 1977, VTO provides educational support to children and young people most affected by the poverty-related attainment gap. VTO’s Learning Hubs focus on homework support, literacy and numeracy skills, confidence building, and motivation to learn.

These Hubs are unique in that senior pupils from local high schools tutor primary school-aged children, fostering strong, supportive relationships that benefit both the tutors and the learners. The senior pupils, many of whom face economic challenges themselves, gain essential communication and planning skills, along with endorsements for further education or job applications.

Kesson Wilson, Head of Fundraising at Volunteer Tutors Organisation, spoke about the impact of the donation, saying:

“We wish to thank Allied Vehicles for their contribution to our Learning Hubs in Possilpark."

"Their funding will allow us to provide one-to-one academic support to local primary aged children as well as volunteer opportunities to secondary pupils. The sessions provide the children and young people a chance to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, develop their confidence and reach their full potential.”

Currently, VTO operates three Learning Hubs in the Possilpark area:

• Possilpark Hub: Partnering with the Health and Social Care Partnership, this hub supports 14 primary pupils with the help of 12 senior pupils and 4 adult volunteers.

• Saracen Street Primary: Located at Possilpark Parish Church, this hub benefits 10 primary pupils with support from 10 senior pupils and 1 adult volunteer.

• St Theresa’s Primary: Also held at Possilpark Parish Church, this hub aids 9 primary pupils, supported by 7 senior pupils and 4 adult volunteers.

• Each Learning Hub costs £6,200 per academic year to operate. As VTO celebrates its 50th year, the funds from the Trust will cover the running costs of one of the Hubs for a full academic year, ensuring the continuation of this essential service.

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:

“We are thrilled to support the Volunteer Tutors Organisation. Their dedication to bridging the educational gap for disadvantaged children is truly remarkable. This funding will help ensure that VTO can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of young people right here in Possilpark.”