Pupils across West Dunbartonshire have taken part in lessons to combat bigotry, religious hate and racism - after a number of incidents where sectarian graffiti was scrawled on local buildings.
Last month we told how vile anti-catholic messages were left on Dumbarton’s Denny Tank Museum, with the incident labelled “vile and dangerous” by councillors, and “ignorant and arrogant” by Dave Scott of anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth.
Now West Dunbartonshire Council is working with Nil By Mouth and Show Racism the Red Card to highlight to pupils the impact of religious hatred through lessons, and to raise further awareness of the issues surrounding sectarianism.
Show Racism the Red Card has worked with 1181 pupils by delivering 27 workshops in 14 schools across the locality, and has another 62 sessions planned for young people next month.
Nil By Mouth meanwhile has worked with 615 young people across 15 primary schools.
The lessons are offered to selected age groups in primary and in all secondary schools as part of the curriculum to promote positive social values.
Councillor Karen Conaghan, convener of educational services, said: “I am delighted so many of our young people have engaged in this learning.
“I have campaigned for a long time to raise awareness of the need to begin a conversation on this issue, especially with our younger residents, so I am pleased more than 1700 of our young people have taken part in this initiative.
“It is important that we educate our children so they grow up understanding the hurt and distress this needless behaviour can cause to individuals and their families.
“There’s no place for racism or sectarianism in today’s society.”
Councillor Ian Dickson, vice-convener, added: “It’s really pleasing to see the large numbers of pupils participating in these lessons.
“We must teach our young people that religious hatred and racism will not be tolerated in our schools or our communities.
“This programme will hopefully allow pupils to discuss incidents of verbal and online sectarianism or abuse and I’m sure the lessons will give our young people the courage to speak up and be role models for their peers and the next generation.”
