Forces Children Scotland 21 hours ago
Here are some reflections from Annabella Alovatti, a Volunteer Facilitator for The Ruby Boots Project and an undergraduate student of Government, Policy and Society at The University of Edinburgh. Annabella explains what motivated her to join and what inspires her about this project.
From the moment I heard what this project was about, I was eager to get involved. Although my parents have not been part of the Armed Forces, my grandfather served as a Marine. My mum, being her father’s daughter, carried many of his values, and our family’s experience of living in different countries and moving frequently gave me a strong understanding of the challenges faced by children from Armed Forces families. These experiences have shaped my empathy and perspective, allowing me to connect with and appreciate the resilience required in such circumstances.
I have long been interested in educational policy and hope to work in this field in the future, focusing on improving access, equity, and wellbeing for all students. Volunteering with Ruby Boots has offered me the opportunity to engage directly with a group of children and young people whose experiences differ from my own yet mirror many of the challenges I faced, such as adapting to new environments, learning new languages, and finding a sense of belonging in unfamiliar places. Working with them has deepened my understanding of how policy decisions translate into lived experiences and how supportive programmes can make a tangible difference in young people’s lives.
This volunteering experience has been incredibly rewarding. Watching the children grow in confidence and build stronger relationships with one another throughout the summer programme, and seeing how far they have come today, has been truly inspiring. Hearing their stories and witnessing their increasing awareness, empathy, and maturity has been a privilege. It is rare to see such personal growth in such a short time, and being part of that journey has reaffirmed my commitment to working in roles that directly support young people’s development.
Ruby Boots places children and their wellbeing at its very core, and this is evident in every session, activity, and resource created. It is a space where children feel safe, valued, and understood, where they can explore who they are while learning to understand others. Being involved in such an inclusive, nurturing environment has been a meaningful experience that has strengthened my belief in the power of community-based programmes to foster resilience, confidence, and connection among young people.
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