Two Paisley schools celebrate clinching national equalities award
The efforts of two Paisley schools to challenge sectarianism and help children better understand difference has been recognised with a national equalities award.
Pupils from Glencoats and St Fergus' primaries in Ferguslie have been awarded the 2025 Champions for Change prize by leading charity Nil by Mouth.
It is in recognition of several years hard work aimed at making pupils better aware of different faiths and cultures, as well as celebrating the strong community spirit in the area.
The accolade recognises schools, businesses and individuals who have displayed long-standing commitment to challenging sectarianism in Scotland.
Over the past few years, youngsters at both schools have regularly come together on a range of projects designed to achieve this aim. In 2023, the schools unveiled a cross-community mural which local graffiti artist David Knox created with help from the pupils.
And last year, BBC Scotland's 'A View from the Terrace' star Duncan McKay took part in a football event to coincide with Scotland's qualification for the 2024 European Championships.
Kids have participated in bus tours of Glasgow sights made famous by the novel 'Divided City' – used in schools to help tackle sectarian attitudes.
Primary seven pupils from each school also come together at an annual event held in the Tannahill Centre – led by the Nil by Mouth organisation – where they learn more about how sectarianism manifests and come up with ways young people can challenge it.
Staff, pupils and families also regular meet and work together on wider community projects.
Nil by Mouth partnership manager Emma Alexander said: 'Glencoats and St Fergus' have been working together on a range of projects linked to equality and celebrating their community and it's always a pleasure to be invited along to work with them.
'Our award panel was hugely impressed by the level of leadership shown by the staff at both schools and the creative ways they bring the schools together to learn and understand more about one another.
'And it wasn't just in terms of events; both schools have a strong commitment to equality which flows through their curriculum, with great emphasis placed on better understanding others and taking the time to listen too and share experiences.
'There has been lots written about this area over the years – often by those who don't live or work in it.
'We have only ever found imagination, friendship and a very powerful sense of community and that is why the schools are worthy winners of this year's Champions for Change award.'
Nil by Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson in 2000 in response to the brutal sectarian murder of her friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match in the city.
The charity has since worked with tens of thousands of people in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and communities right across Scotland.
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