Funding Helps Students Tackle Sectarianism

Emma Alexander collects the donation from the GEM Trust’s Grant Pinkerton

The Gilbert Elliot Memorial Trust (GEM) has awarded Nil by Mouth £3,909 to run its 'Pitch Perfect' competition with students at City of Glasgow College and fund a STEM programme which will bring pupils from Catholic and Non-Denominational Schools together.

The GEM Trust was established to commemorate the memory of Gilbert Wilkie Elliot, a young man who like so very many of his generation, died in the trenches during the terrible years of the First World War. He has a simple memorial in the graveyard of Pozieres in France. His descendant David Urquhart, one of the best know names in the Scottish travel industry, established the Trust with the aim of investing in charities where a small donation can make a big difference.

The charity’s Pitch Perfect project has ran in partnership with City of Glasgow College since 2015 and each year sees more than 100 students receive academic accreditation for creating their own campaigns to challenge sectarianism and promote tolerance and change. Since its launch more than 1,000 students have participated and support from The GEM Trust means it will continue into 2027.

The Trust is also funding the purchase of new STEM equipment which the charity will use as part of its ‘STEM Together’ project which brings schools together fusing anti-sectarianism workshops with the chance to use cutting edge STEM equipment and develop key skills valued by employers.

Nil by Mouth Partnership Manager Emma Alexander said:

‘We are incredibly grateful to the GEM Trust for their generous donation. As a small charity, support like this makes a significant difference!

The donation will allow us to offer school pupils the opportunity to participate in engaging STEM sessions and experiences that they would not normally have access to - broadening horizons and building confidence. The GEM Trust are investing in opportunities that empower young people and students with the aim of creating a more understanding and inclusive future for all.’