West Dunbartonshire pupils create graphic novel exploring freedom

Our Freedom: Then and Now – Stories from Alexandria, Dumbarton and Vale of Leven marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

The project was developed by students from Vale of Leven Academy, Our Lady & St Patrick’s High School, and Dumbarton Academy as part of the nationwide programme Our Freedom: Then and Now

It involved collaboration with West Dunbartonshire Council’s Libraries and Arts & Heritage teams, alongside comic author and community storyteller Paul Bristow.

The book follows a similar graphic novel created by Clydebank pupils earlier this year, which was launched at a special event in the Alexandria Library, attended by councillors and students from the three schools.

Councillor William Rooney, convenor of corporate services, said: "This second graphic novel builds on the success of the first and provides a profound insight into how our young people understand what freedom means to them.

"As I worked my way through the pages, I was really impressed by the creativity and depth of thought shown by the pupils, and I highly recommend visiting your local library to discover what freedom means to our young people."

The council’s Libraries and Arts & Heritage teams were awarded £15,000 to participate in the Our Freedom: Then and Now campaign, a national programme of community events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice-convenor of corporate services, said: "The level of commitment shown by everyone involved has been outstanding.

"This project has brought together something memorable that everyone involved can take pride in."

Our Freedom: Then and Now – Stories from Alexandria, Dumbarton and Vale of Leven is now available at all West Dunbartonshire libraries.