Scottish Catholic Observer

— This story ran in full in the June 14 print edition of the SCO

Pupils from St Eunan’s Primary School in Clydebank have been recognised as Champions for Change in light of their dedication to tackling sectarianism in society.

Representatives from Scottish anti-sectarianism charity Nil by Mouth recently visited St Eunan’s to present children with their Champions for Change Award, highlighting the hard work of the Clydebank pupils throughout this academic year.

The St Eunan’s community has been working closely with its neighbours from Linnvale Primary School and an anti-sectarian topic was initiated to give primary seven pupils ‘a growing awareness of the need for change in the community.’

Pupils from each school worked on a literacy topic, using the novel Divided City by Theresa Breslin, and gave anti-sectarian assemblies to their fellow pupils and teachers. Local Catholic parish priest, Fr Patrick Boyle, and the local Church of Scotland minister were also involved in the project and were invited to talk to children from both schools. Marian Callister, principal teacher at St Eunan’s, believes the work has been of great value to pupils from both schools.

“The work has made a huge impact on the children in terms of motivating them to help in their communities for the better,” Ms Callister said. “Our school community is very committed to this project and we were eager to take part in the Nil by Mouth, Champions for Change School Accreditation Scheme.

“Our hard work was recognised and it was clear to the assessors that we seek to promote a holistic approach to tackling sectarianism across our school community. We are proud to be the first school in West Dunbartonshire to have achieved this accreditation.”

In December, a motion—launched by Gil Paterson MSP—was passed at the Scottish Parliament to highlight the work that had been undertaken by the Clydebank children in tackling sectarianism.

Another person hugely impressed by the work of the St Eunan’s pupils is Terry Lanagan, executive director for education at West Dunbartonshire Council.

“The award is well deserved recognition for a joint project with Linnvale Primary School aimed at tackling prejudice and sectarianism and celebrating diversity,” Mr Lanagan said. “At a recent visit to the school, I was hugely impressed by the articulate manner in which primary seven pupils talked about the project. In particular, they spoke enthusiastically about the new friendships they had formed with pupils from Linnvale…. Projects such as this can go a long way towards tackling sectarianism which has blighted so many communities in the west of Scotland for many decades.”

Ms Callister added that pupils from each school will continue working closely together and they are currently preparing for an end of year retreat, which is being led by the school chaplains.