Introduction: A Mother’s Tears and a Child’s Dream
Last year, I Fash Fasoro met a remarkable 15-year-old who shared her story with me. She couldn’t travel or enjoy school holidays like her peers because her single mother worked multiple shifts just to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. Her words stayed with me long after our conversation ended, not out of pity, but out of admiration for her resilience in the face of adversity.
When I spoke to her mother, however, it was a different story altogether. The financial strain of raising two children on low income had taken its toll. “I have to choose between organising fun activities for my kids during holidays or paying bills,” she confessed through tears. It broke my heart.
At the DataKirk, we hear countless stories like this, stories of children unable to engage in physical activities, families struggling to make ends meet, and parents overwhelmed by the complexities of parenting amidst poverty. These are not isolated incidents; they reflect systemic challenges faced by many communities across the UK.
But here’s the thing: doing nothing is simply not an option. As a grassroots organisation, we may be underfunded and overlooked, but we refuse to let that define us. Instead, we asked ourselves some tough questions:
- How can we support children and young people during school holidays without funding?
- How can we create meaningful connections between children, young people, and their families?
- How can we safeguard and promote well-being while embedding STEM education, fun, and hands-on learning into every activity?
And so, the idea for our STEM Drone Pilot Programme was born.
The Vision: Racing Towards a Brighter Future
In December 2024, the team at the DataKirk came together to brainstorm solutions. We wanted something innovative, impactful, and scalable: a programme that would inspire curiosity, foster family bonds, and open doors to future career opportunities. After much deliberation, we settled on drones. Why drones? Because they’re cool, futuristic, and packed with potential for STEM learning. From coding to flying to data analysis, drones offer endless possibilities for hands-on engagement.
Our goal was simple yet ambitious: use drone racing combined with physical activity and data analysis to engage children, young people, and their families during the Scottish February 2025 school holidays.
The programme ran from 10th February 2025 to 17th February 2025, spanning six cities: Edinburgh, Stirling, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Aberdeen, and Paisley.
Impact Beyond Expectations
By the numbers, the pilot programme exceeded all expectations:
- 157 children and young people participated
- 45 parents actively engaged
- 6 cities transformed
But beyond the statistics lies the true magic of what happened. For one week, children forgot about the limitations imposed by financial hardship. They laughed, raced drones, solved problems, and dreamed big. Parents reconnected with their kids, rediscovering the joy of shared experiences. Communities rallied around a common purpose, proving that even small initiatives can spark monumental change.
The Benefit of the STEM Drones Pilot Programme
The success of our pilot programme underscores the immense potential of drones as educational tools. They provide higher-level, hands-on learning experiences that promote both STEM skills and interdisciplinary engagement. Through drone coding, flying, and mission planning, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, technical proficiency, and teamwork: all essential skills for the 21st century.
Moreover, drones demystify STEM careers, showing young people that fields like technology, engineering, and environmental science are within reach. By combining fun, physical activity, and family connection, we’ve created a model that addresses multiple needs simultaneously.
Looking Ahead: No More Fear of Holidays
The work doesn’t stop here. At the DataKirk, we’re committed to building on this momentum. Plans are already underway to launch an afterschool club, an entrepreneurial programme, and seek funding to expand our reach. Our vision is clear: no child should dread school holidays due to lack of resources or opportunities.
To other grassroots organisations facing similar challenges, I say this: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start small, dream big, and trust in the power of your community. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to a solid STEM foundation, stays physically active, and feels connected to their family and community.
Let’s continue soaring high! For the sake of our children, our communities, and our collective future.
What do you think?
Could drones be the answer to bridging gaps in education, recreation, and family bonding?
Share your thoughts below!
