Lanark schoolchildren formed a perfect percussion partnership as they celebrated the success of a South Lanarkshire-wide project helping youngsters to better understand diversity in their communities.
Pupils at Lanark Primary teamed up with musician and choreographer Carl Smith, one of the creators of West End and Broadway show Stomp, to create their own mini-musical using percussion made by their bodies and household objects including bins, brushes and wooden spoons.
It focused on how people can achieve more when they work together, and was part of the school’s work with anti-sectarianism charity Nil by Mouth which has seen pupils take part in their United Against Division workshops.
The charity’s programme is available free to every school in the council area thanks to Scottish Government funding – and more than 1000 young people from 20 schools have taken part during the past year.
Workshop sessions explore identity and the consequences of prejudice on individuals and communities.
Lanark Primary head teacher Farah Crook said: “The children really loved having the opportunity to work with Nil by Mouth. It really reinforced the message that we can achieve great things when we work together as a team and a community.”
The pupils were joined for their special music-making morning by staff from Nil by Mouth and Clydesdale West councillor Lynsey Hamilton, who is South Lanarkshire’s education committee chair.
She said: “It was brilliant watching the children make music and it underlines the talent of our young people. Carl’s approach helped them get the best out of themselves and work as a team.
“It was also a unique opportunity to find out more about the important work Nil by Mouth carry out in partnership with our schools looking at issues around difference, discrimination and diversity. Understanding our own identity and the those of others is an important part of growing up and I’m proud our schools provide an environment where these conversations can be held in a thoughtful manner.”
Nil by Mouth has worked alongside South Lanarkshire Council for 15 years, with several schools earning its Champion for Change award, recognising excellence in challenging sectarianism and celebrating community.
Charity director Dave Scott praised the area’s “brilliant young people” and said: “Our workshops focus on raising awareness of the issues surrounding sectarianism within our society, drawing out personal attitudes, views and experiences while encouraging young people to consider the impact of discriminatory language, actions or online behaviour on others.
“We want to celebrate the things that we have in common including a love of music, art and sport – and Carl has been a real hit with the children, teaching them new skills and helping them work together to make some amazing sounds.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.