PUPILS from Dunfermline High School are counting on West Fife support this week as the school is shortlisted in a national competition run by the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The We-CTV competition, supported by the Scottish Government’s No Knives, Better Lives initiative, challenges participants aged 11-18 from across Scotland to use their creative skills to promote anti-violence messages and educate their peers on issues such as knife crime, abuse or online bullying.

This year’s competition was launched by Scottish BAFTA-winning actor, Paul Brannigan, at the beginning of October and the Scottish Youth Parliament have been overwhelmed by interest received from schools, youth groups and individuals.

Dunfermline High created content to combat interpersonal violence and their submission has been selected from more than 50, to be shortlisted for a final public vote on the Scottish Youth Parliament website.

Throughout the six months the competition has run, Dunfermline High and others from across Scotland have enjoyed the opportunity to meet with those working to eradicate violence from Scotland’s streets. They have also had the opportunity to meet creative experts to help develop their ideas into original works in an attempt to educate their peers on interpersonal violence.

David Stewart, a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and We-CTV Champion, said, “I am delighted to have witnessed such fantastic energy and enthusiasm from young people across the country who have entered the We-CTV competition.

“The participants have shown innovation and creativity in their approach to promoting anti-violence messages. I hope these creative pieces will inspire others across Scotland to think about the consequences of interpersonal violence, and prompt discussions in local communities that can pave the way to a safer and fairer society.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to take a moment to look at these fantastic creative submissions, and cast their vote to determine who will win the We-CTV competition. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck.” Online voting is now live and will stay open until Sunday 8th February, when the public decide the winner of the We-CTV competition. The winning entry will be announced at an awards ceremony in Glasgow’s Film Theatre, showcasing the young people’s achievements in March.

To support the competition and to vote for Dunfermline High School go to www.syp.org.uk.