25 Years of Unity

Pupils from two Paisley schools have helped Nil by Mouth mark its 25th anniversary at an event celebrating grassroots work to tackle sectarianism and the charity’s long-standing connection with City of Glasgow College.

Glencoats and St Fergus Primary Schools helped students Sophie O’Neill, Lauren MacFarlane and Lexi Elwoodcelebrate their ‘25 Years of Unity’ campaign which highlights individuals and groups across Scotland who have made a contribution to tackling sectarianism since the charity was set up in 2000. The campaign was created by the students as part of the ‘Pitch Perfect’ competition, ran in conjunction with the college which helps young people find their voice on issues that matter to them.

Earlier this year the Ferguslie schools were awarded the Champions for Change award by Nil by Mouth in recognition of several years hard work making pupils better aware of different faiths and cultures as well as celebrating the strong community spirit in the area. The award recognises schools, businesses and individuals who have displayed longstanding commitment to challenging sectarianism in Scotland. Over the past few years pupils at both schools have regularly come together on a range of projects designed to achieve this aim including a mural designed by graffiti artist David Knox, and a football event with BBC Scotland’s ‘A View from the Terrace’ star Duncan McKay.  This latest event saw pupils work with Scot poet Thomas Clark and enjoy candyfloss and popcorn together as well as a slice of cake to mark the charity’s anniversary.

Nil by Mouth Partnership Manager Emma Alexander said: ‘Nil by Mouth was set up 25 years ago by a young woman who saw the need to act in order for change to occur. That is why we wanted to launch this latest campaign in the company of other young people who are also finding, and using, their voices to promote tolerance and change. Glencoats and St Fergus have been working together on a range of projects linked to equality and celebrating their community and it’s always a pleasure to be invited along to work with them, so it seemed a fitting place to mark this significant milestone. Both schools have a strong commitment to equality which flows through their curriculum, with great emphasis placed on better understanding others and taking the time to listen to and share experiences. The world can seem a very angry place but over the years we have met so many people who have stood up and be counted when it comes to tackling hatred and building bridges higher than walls. We aim to use events like this to highlight this grassroots work and remind people that the values of respect, curiosity, friendship and kindness remain in plentiful supply.’

Lauren MacFarlane, one of the students hosting the event, said: ‘Nil by Mouth was founded 25 years ago by a young woman who found her voice and helped others to do the same. Today was all about celebrating 25 years of progress, change and unity. We want to highlight all the work that’s been done over the last 25 years and continue that progress with the upcoming generation.’

Fellow student Alexis Elwood said: ‘We want to highlight the real people who made change towards tackling sectarian attitudes in Scotland, and the grassroots work, and celebrate the connections that have been made possible by Nil by Mouth.’