A charity is inspiring West Dunbartonshire schoolchildren from different faiths and backgrounds to work together through a new STEM partnership.
Nil by Mouth has teamed up with BAE Systems to help boost opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering and maths.
Pupils from St Joseph's and Edinbarnet Primary schools in Faifley joined staff from the equalities charity at BAE’S Scotstoun yard to launch the STEM Together project aimed at bringing young people from a wide range of backgrounds together to enhance skills and build friendships.
The company has donated state-of-the-art STEM kits for Nil by Mouth to use in schools across the country as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference.
The business is also offering the use of facilities at its new £12 million training academy for schools taking part in the programme.
Edinbarnet and St Joseph’s will be moving into a new shared campus in the autumn and the event allowed children and staff the opportunity to mix and work together in advance of doors opening.
The new campus will allow both schools to maintain their own unique curriculum and methods of learning, as well as share gym halls and outdoor play facilities.
Nil by Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson after the sectarian murder of her friend. Since then, the team has worked with more than 100,000 people in schools, workplaces and communities across Scotland.
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Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said: “We are incredibly grateful for this support. It was great to see BAE staff help the children use the equipment and encourage them with the tasks.
“Programmes like this help children from different backgrounds and traditions develop teamwork skills and appreciate the different perspectives others bring to solving a problem.”
He added: “This will be an exciting few months for both school communities and we are delighted they both see value in working alongside our charity to help the children forge new, and deepen existing, friendships.”
Phil Brown from BAE Systems said Nil by Mouth was carrying out “admirable work” and added: “STEM outreach is an integral part of our new applied shipbuilding academy.
“We look forward to a successful partnership during which the lives of the young people in our communities are positively influenced through enjoyable and enlightening experiences.”
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