Secondary School Open Day

St Columba's invited a wide cross section of pupils from Edinburgh Secondary schools to visit the Hospice and learn about its work.

The Secondary School Open Day was held on the 30^th September with a great mix of Edinburgh schools participating. It was a chance for students to meet others with an interest in charitable work, learn about a local charity, the place of the Hospice in the community and practice skills essential for planning fundraising events.

On the Day

Students and teachers from eight Edinburgh high schools began their day with an interactive seminar about St Columba's, its history, its work and its mission. This was followed by a look at the exciting plans for the Hospice rebuild and a look at the scale model of what the new building will look like - an activity which really captured the student's imagination!

After the break the pupils got creative when tasked with planning a fundraising event for themselves, brainstorming everything from a catchy name to good locations, marketing tactics and fun activities for the participants. The pupils really enjoyed the challenge of working together to create a successful event and some unique and inventive ideas were put forward by the groups rounding off a very successful open day for all involved.

The Results

The feedback from staff and students was fantastic, with many students displaying a deep understanding of the importance of the Hospice, its staff and its work in the community.

Some Student Impressions -

"Because lots of people think that the hospice is coping and that they just need money for the rebuild but lots of money is needed for keeping up the good standard of care."

"...the facilities and medication [of the Hospice] really improves the lives of patients."

"I think without the nurses patients wouldn't get the essential care they need. Nurses don't only provide care they also keep patients spirits up and take their minds off their situation."

"Nurses make the buildings and equipment what they are."

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