'Story circle' started in Ross-shire paves the way for new projects across the country as project builds bridges and tackles prejudice
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A STORY circle started in Ross-shire is creating ripples across the country with groups south of the border being inspired to follow its lead.
The Heartstone Story Circle based at Dingwall Library has seen pupils from Dingwall and Alness use a fantasy novel for children as a launchpad for discussion of issues which include intolerance and prejudice in a bid to break down barriers between people.
With support from HIMRA, Highland Migrant and Refugee Advocacy, a number of children from refugee families have been included as part of a wider goal of building bridges and increasing understanding.
Work created by some of those involved was unveiled at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The project, supported by High Life Highland, may now spread to other locations across the Highlands.
The project led by library assistants Joolz Christie and Amy McAskill saw the children and young people participating meeting every week.
This Story Circle is the first to take place in a library and in Heartstone’s home base of Dingwall. It has led the way and inspired the formation of similar library-based Story Circles south of the border in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and London.
Particularly important in the set up of the Story Circle has been the support of HIMRA, the Highland Migrant and Refugee Advocacy, who helped to identify schools which include children from refugee families resident in the Highlands.
The project has provided a new route to bring people together, break down barriers and build contact, understanding and empathy across different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds, as relevant in Highland Scotland as anywhere else in the country.
Joolz Christie, who has led the Story Circle, said: "Our weekly Story Circle comprise book readings, relevant topic discussions and exhibition planning. Every week we were joined by ten first year pupils from Dingwall Academy. On most weeks, eight primary 6 pupils from Obsdale Primary plus two teachers also joined us. The children are encouraged to relate the issues in the book to current world events, and with this in mind, we have been discussing relevant stories in the media. We have highlighted the risk of misleading writing and its impact. From international atrocities in Christchurch and Sri Lanka to the defacing of a mosque in Elgin, there has unfortunately been no lack of material for discussion.
"Other discussion topics have included gang culture and how prejudice can appear in many different guises. Several of the children have enjoyed reading out loud in the circle, even ones that were initially lacking in confidence and I have seen their vocabulary expanding over the weeks. General public users of the library have observed the Story Circle and commented on how lovely it is to see young people focussed and engaged in something worthwhile. It even prompted borrowing of the library copy of The Heartstone Odyssey!The children have worked hard on their exhibition pieces."
The project has been funded by High Life Highland and Heartstone sponsors and the aim is to spread the project to new locations across the Highlands in the coming months.
