Gemma is a social entrepreneur who grew up on South Uist, and returned to live on Uist when she was 24. She is a qualified Occupational Therapist with a passion for addiction recovery in both the UK and East Africa. In 2014 she was awarded the Young Scot of the Year Unsung Hero award for setting up and managing St Jerome’s Orphanage in Kenya. On a recent visit she gave a keynote speech to the Association for Charitable Children Institutions of Kenya (A.C.C.I.K) on child protection. In Uist, Gemma manages the befriending service Caraidean Uist, which is a part of the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership for the Western Isles. Gemma speaks fluent Gàidhlig, English and Swahili, and is a passionate supporter of Uist culture. Gemma’s work has featured in a number of documentaries, films and articles over the years. Here is a selection:
- BBC Radio Scotland extended interview, February 2015
- Information about the 3-part series about Gemma from Mac TVDìlleachdain Gemma / Gemma’s Orphans
- SCO article about former First Minister auctioning goods for St. Jerome’s Centre
- Young Scot Awards film of GemmaSteele, Unsung Hero 2014
- Am Pàipear’s article on Gemma with the Liam Aitcheson Memorial tap at St. Jerome’s
- FilmG Alba: Nicolson Institute students’ short Gàidhilg film with Gemma, including Lewis students interviewing St. Jerome’s students on social media.