Kids embrace new project that celebrates their town
A new project is aiming to bring school pupils together to celebrate what they love about Paisley.
Scottish anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth is working with youngsters from West and St Mary’s primary schools in a project funded by Paisley 2021.
The programme, called Buddies, began in April with a range of workshops led by the charity, allowing the pupils to learn about different religions and cultures. This was followed by them taking part in sessions with Renfrewshire Leisure staff exploring the history of Paisley and some of the achievements of people from the area.
Last week, celebrated photographer Alan McCredie visited the schools to deliver photography workshops, giving pupils a few tricks of the trade.
During his visit he set them the challenge of capturing an image celebrating the town and its people.
The winning entry will receive a digital camera and will be announced at a special ceremony at the Paisley 2021 stadium in June.
Nil by Mouth Campaign director Dave Scott said: “Nil by Mouth exists to help people realise how much they have in common, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds and we are delighted that both the schools and the Paisley 2021 team see the value in this programme.
“It’s fantastic to see new friendships being forged and the pupils and staff from both schools are really getting behind the project.
“We have been blown away by some of the creativity the pupils have shown with their photography.
“There is so much potential in Paisley and we hope that this competition provides these young people with a platform to shine.
“The pupils haven’t just taken photos of buildings, statues or places, but also images of togetherness and friendship. Alan McCredie has agreed to judge the competition and I don’t envy his job — there is so much talent.
“The message we want the pupils and their families to take away from Buddies is that bridges can always be built higher than walls and that by focusing on what we all have in common life is that much brighter.”
Nil by Mouth was set up by teenager Cara Henderson in response to the brutal sectarian murder of her friend Mark Scott in 1995.
Every year the charity works with thousands of pupils across Scotland on projects aimed at helping young people learn more about faiths and traditions different to their own.