The 23rd of November saw a meeting of the city wide Primary Student Council group in which the young people would be involved in a consultation concerning Sectarianism in Glasgow.
First up was a quick ice-breaking exercise that allowed the young people to meet new people and find out more information about each other. The purpose of this task allows SOS to highlight how important communication, between people who didn’t previously know each other, or only had a minimal insight into each others’ background, can be in breaking down barriers.
This theme was also present in the next stage of the day’s proceedings: a drama presentation given by 3 schools- Haghill Park, St Thomas’ Primary and Cartyne Primary. These schools have been working together on a Communities United project that brings together faith and non-denominational schools to promote friendship and break down barriers in the community based around Sectarianism. The drama explained what Sectarianism is and the terrible effects it can have on our society. It made it clear that lots of different groups and individuals can be affected by Sectarian behaviour.
Roseanna Cunningham (MSP) then delivered a talk on what she hopes to do to tackle Sectarianism and said she needed everybody’s help to do this. She also gave information on the projects she hopes to fund with money from the Scottish Government.
The final element of the day’s proceedings was led by Sense Over Sectarianism (SOS). This entailed the young people working together in groups to consider how different groups and individuals, such as the media, police, football clubs, football supporters, families, MSP’s and teachers can all play a part in overcoming the Sectarianism that exists in Glasgow. The overarching aim of this exercise was to allow the young people to consider who is responsible for change and to reinforce this fact: That it is precisely the decisions and actions taken by their generation that will determine whether or not we can be rid of, or at least significantly reduce, Sectarianism in Glasgow. The power is in their hands and this workshop highlights this fact and the responsibility for change is one we all should adhere to.