THESE Glasgow school children are leading the way in the fight to stamp out sectarianism.
THESE Glasgow school children are leading the way in the fight to stamp out sectarianism.
The Garscadden and St Brendan's primary pupils joined forces for drama workshop aimed at spreading the anti-bigotry message.
The inter-school project was the culmination of a joint scheme between them and campaign group Sense Over Sectarianism.
They were also joined by pupils from St Benedict's, who sang anti-sectarian songs.
The scheme is aimed at encouraging pupils to work together to tackle sectarianism.
St Brendan's pupil Karagh Meehan, 11, was one of 17 pupils at the workshop run by TAG Theatre Company and the Citizens' Theatre.
She said: "This project has taught us to get along with people no matter what football team they support. It doesn't matter if they are different. We're all the same."
Another pupil, Lauren Butler, 11, from Garscadden, added: "We now have friends from all religions. Doing this project means we've been mixing with different people and it's made a big difference."
Celine McKinlay, headteacher at Garscadden, believes the workshop was a huge success. She said: "These children are our future and with help projects like this can make the pupils more responsible."
The event was attended by Scotland's Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing, who said: "This Government is committed to tackling sectarianism and we are working to make sure religious bigotry is not accepted or tolerated in Scotland.
"If we are to change attitudes we need to educate and promote understanding of the hurt and offence these attitudes can cause. The work Sense over Sectarianism is doing with children is a great example of this."
The event was organised by Sense Over Sectarianism to celebrate an award of £412,731 funding from the Scottish Government.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, executive member for education at the city council and chairman of Sense over Sectarianism, said: "Our children can teach us all a thing or two about living together in a climate of respect and friendship."
