This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Education resource targets bigotry
11/10/2004
School children are to learn more about the harmful
effects of sectarianism and religious intolerance in a bid
to stamp out bigotry in Scotland.
A new website, being piloted in five regions, will give
teachers and youth workers the information, interactive
resources and guidance they need to discuss sectarianism
with young people. It will be rolled out nationally next
year.
The website aims to:
- Raise awareness of sectarianism
and religious intolerance and encourage better
understanding
- Provide examples of good practice
for teachers and youth workers to use when working with
young people on issues around sectarianism and
religious intolerance
- Place sectarianism and religious
intolerance in the context of equality and tackling
discrimination
Deputy Education Minister Euan Robson said:
"Bigotry, sectarianism, xenophobia, racism - whatever
form it comes in, discrimination has no place in a modern
Scotland.
"We must rid Scotland of this stain on its reputation
and, to achieve this, education is crucial. We cannot
ignore the problem and hope it will go away. We must tackle
it head-on, making it clear to future generations that such
discrimination is simply unacceptable.
"The anti-sectarianism resource will build on the
excellent work already been done in schools on equality and
fairness. I hope it will give teachers greater confidence
to raise the issue of sectarianism with pupils during their
formative years, challenging the notion that such behaviour
is in any way an acceptable part of Scottish culture.
"By working together we can ensure the next generation
of Scots can prosper free of the damaging effects of
bigotry and will stand united to challenge it where it does
arise."
The anti-sectarian education resource will be piloted in
Highland, Dundee, Dumfries and Galloway, North Lanarkshire
and West Dunbartonshire. The areas were chosen to reflect
that sectarianism and religious intolerance are not
confined to the west of Scotland.
The web-resource will be available to teachers and youth
workers and has information and guidance tailored
specifically for different age groups.
The education resource was developed by a consortium led
by the Centre for Education and Racial Equality Scotland
(CERES). It was produced following consultation with key
groups and organisations, including the Church of Scotland,
Roman Catholic Church and Celtic and Rangers football
clubs.