A leading North-East charity has thrown its weight behind our work with young people in the area.
The Barrack Trust is providing copies of the ‘Neeps & Tatties’ education resource to schools across the city as part of its most recent round of donations to good causes. The book is being promoted by Nil by Mouth as part of our schools programme In 2023 and has been used by over 750 schools in Scotland.
The project is running in schools right across Scotland and includes art activities for pupils
Created by author Carey Morning and illustrator Anna York, ‘Neeps and Tatties’ tells the story of two warring vegetable tribes who are finally encouraged to put the past behind them in the interests of a better future. The book examines issues such as discrimination and prejudice, highlighting how old grievance can be overcome by a new generation. The charity has devised a series of classroom games and activities based around the story that will encourage children to explore different cultures, including looking at the significance of food and festivals in different traditions.
Doric is still widely spoken and understood in the North-East and the book, which includes a glossary of words for those new to the language, also includes a range of digital activities which encourage children to explore different faiths and traditions. Schools already benefiting include Cornhill, Dyce, Kirkhill, Kittybrewster, Loriston and Seaton Primaries and the charity is encouraging every primary school in Aberdeen to claim their copies.
The children use Scots language to think about the things that make people different
The project has already been supported by Aberdeenshire Council and investment from the Barrack Trust ensures that primary schools in Aberdeen will also be able to gain free access to the book and resources.
Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said:
‘This donation from the Barrack Trust is such a wonderful boost to our work and will ensure the book is enjoyed by hundreds more children in Aberdeen and that teachers have all the resources required to bring the story to life. Scots is widely spoken and understood in Aberdeen and we hope that in addition to helping pupils learn more about different cultures and beliefs it will also deepen their understanding and appreciation of the many Scots and Doric words which enrich their lives. So much of our work challenging bigotry deals with how words can be used to hurt or belittle others. That’s why its brilliant to be able to celebrate language and the different ways we can express ourselves. The stories we tell our children help shape how they see the world and make sense of the differences that exist around them. We are so grateful to the Trust for making this happen.’
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