Count Us In: Promoting understanding and combating sectarianism aims to promote inclusive practices. The booklet brings together some examples of successful practice in promoting mutual understanding and combating sectarianism. Some schools and authorities are carrying out interesting work in related contexts, such as celebrating ethnic and religious diversity. We have made references to this broader work, where it is relevant. The booklet includes examples of initiatives that aim to bring communities together and broaden the experiences of children and young people.
Sectarianism, racism and social exclusion of various kinds are not peculiar to Scotland. Across the world and throughout history, groups have been stereotyped and excluded. Children have been encouraged to treat with suspicion people and practices outwith their own immediate experience, whether religious, geographical or cultural. Often religious prejudice and racial prejudice occur together, for example, when faith communities and ethnic communities generally coincide. The result of sectarianism, racism and social exclusion can be that young people develop limited ways of thinking which narrows their view of the world and damages their relationships with others. In the worst cases, such prejudice has led to deliberate and devastating attacks. We also have those who stand up to intimidation, who protect their fellows and those from different communities, sometimes at significant personal cost.
This booklet does not attempt to address all aspects of social exclusion.The interesting practices and activities described in this booklet are intended to stimulate reflection and improvement. New and innovative approaches may soon overtake them. The purpose of this booklet is to raise awareness of some current anti-sectarian activities across Scotland and suggest some promising ideas which authorities, schools and practitioners can consider, and adopt or adapt to meet the needs of their own pupils.
Graham Donaldson