Lottery success for MCFB

Multi-Cultural Family Base Awarded National Lottery Funding

Children between the ages of four and seven from mostly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) families are set to benefit from a Lottery award of £204,660 made to the 4-2-7 project at Leith-based Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB).

The three year funding from the National Lottery will also enable MCFB to further develop their 4-2-7 project by building strong links with families, schools and the English as an Additional Language service (EAL) in Edinburgh by undertaking direct work with children to  increase confidence, language, communication skills and self-esteem.

Steve Gowenlock, Chief Executive of MCFB said: “We are delighted to receive continuing support from the National Lottery. All of the families we work with are vulnerable. Many experience racism and the difficulty of adapting to a new or different culture. Further, they live mainly in areas of Edinburgh with higher levels of income poverty, poor housing and social exclusion.

“This money will help children to develop some of the basic building blocks essential for effective learning in school, at home and in the community. The real benefits, such as beginning to play, communicating with their peers and following simple instructions, emerge soon after we start the process of support. The results are increased self-esteem and better engagement at nursery or at school.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “I am delighted that Multi-Cultural Family Base has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant. The funding will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish MCFB every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of their local community.”