Building on a longstanding Fettesian culture of service and giving back, more than 300 students and staff took part in Friday’s Community Engagement Day — the biannual flagship event within our growing partnership programme, which provides meaningful and structured opportunities to contribute to the wider community.Recognising that lasting engagement comes when young people feel connected to a cause, students choose from 30 projects with opportunities ranging from supporting care homes, primary schools and youth clubs to contributing to environmental initiatives, community centres,  hospitals, veterans’ organisations and social enterprise.

“It was brilliant to spend time doing something that I don’t normally get the chance to do. I think that it was a great success taking the care home residents around the national portrait gallery and it seemed like us and the residents had a great time!”

“I thoroughly enjoyed working outdoors and working with my hands was a calming, different experience.”

“It felt good to help others and make a difference in the park, but my favourite part was getting to know the people that volunteer there who were really nice.”

None of this would be possible without the generosity and support of our extensive network of community partners. Their warmth and willingness to work with our students continue to strengthen our connection to the city and wider community. As our relationships deepen over time we are privileged to work alongside such inspiring people.

"We wanted to say truly a huge thank you to all the students that visited today. Each resident who met them later kept sharing how mature, kind, interesting and lovely they all were, as did the staff. We really do appreciate how they visit each time with patience and an open mind."

"They made a really positive impact in classes in the morning and were a huge help painting our outdoor classroom!"

"The trip out was a joy and our residents really enjoyed it. Thank you so much to your students for making it possible."

"Your students achieved in a few hours what usually takes us days. Thank you!!"