Their contribution will enable the four regional coordinators who deliver the programme, to present ad-hoc workshops in schools, to meet the needs of pupils and the curriculum for excellence.
Seafood in Schools works with all ages of children to encourage and nurture the next generation of seafood eaters. Through a series of interactive workshops and projects, it teaches them ‘where seafood comes from’, ‘how it gets to our plates’, and ‘why it is good to eat as part of a healthy diet’. Pupils also learn about career prospects throughout the seafood industry and its importance to the Scottish economy.
Mike Park, Chief Executive of SWFPA said: "It is extremely important that we pass to the younger generation the message that fish is an important, quality food of high nutritional value and we are happy to get involved."
As well as assisting with funding, SWFPA will encourage skippers to get involved in school workshops to pass on their valuable knowledge of the fishing industry.
A major aim of the project is to set up local partnerships between schools and industry, that allow pupils to interact and learn from fishermen/fish and shellfish farmers, processors, retailers and caterers, and ensure that the project has longevity beyond the period of the funding.
“We are most grateful for the support of SWFPA which means we can extend the reach of this valuable project. Last year we worked directly with around 10,000 pupils and indirectly with many thousands more. Pupils particularly enjoy meeting industry representatives who talk so enthusiastically about their work and really bring the it alive,” said project manager Nicki Holmyard.
