GLASGOW SCHOOLS RISE TOGETHER ABOVE SECTARIANISM AND RACISM

The project, introduced in August 2014, explores the topic of sectarianism and other community issues – such as racism, immigration and equality – through discussion, play and creative activities.

Funded by the Scottish Government the programme supports and complements the excellent work Sense Over Sectarianism is delivering in schools.

The project brings together P6 classes from the north and south of Glasgow to the Rangers Study Support Centre for three weeks.The sessions provide participants with a better understanding of the issues and aims to positively change the attitudes and behaviour of those involved.

The learning gained from these sessions is captured by the young people through poster-making and writing with the aim of instigating positive change in their communities in and around Glasgow.

John Fury, Chairperson of ng homes said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working. The programme is proving to be a huge success amongst the schools and schoolchildren.”

Robert Docherty, Football Development Partnership Manager at ng homes said: “Important messages are conveyed in a creative and fun way and this approach supports the learning outcomes of the programme.”

The primary schools taking part from North Glasgow were St Monica’s, St Roch’s, St Teresa’s and Saracen Primary.

Dominic Sharkey of Rangers Education added: “It is important that friendships are formed across denominations throughout the city. ‘Rise Together’ has been an extremely positive project allowing the young people from the North and South of the city to work together to discuss how they can make a difference with regards to sectarianism and racism in their city. The project gives pupils the opportunity to voice their own thoughts and opinions in an unbiased climate and it provides a platform where pupils feel safe and confident enough to share their experiences.

Julia Rodriguez Nieto of Xchange Scotland said: “Bringing together the young people from the North and South of the city is a great way of widening their safe space and empowering them to think about and challenge negativity and unfairness. It provides them with a baseline for the deeper work they'll undertake at school in following years and it allows us to explore difficult issues in a creative and fun approach".

Further opportunities will arise for more primary schools to take part in this worthwhile programme in the coming months.