Unit 5: Nil By Mouth

PDF file: Lesson ideas

The aim of this unit is to introduce the pupils to the concept of doing something to challenge sectarianism. The energy of Cara Henderson, the founder of Nil By Mouth is an inspiring story that can be told. Cara provides a good role model for many young people.

Nil By Mouth' is an organisation which works to try to end sectarianism in Scotland. It is called Nil By Mouth because quite often sectarianism begins with what we say to and about other people.

Nil By Mouth sees one of its tasks as being in the field of anti-sectarian education amongst young people. Representatives of Nil By Mouth visit prisons, schools and social clubs. They do this to inform people about the work of Nil By Mouth and the dangers of sectarianism.

Nil By Mouth believes that everyone should have the right to follow their religious beliefs without fear. It also believes that our community should be a safe and secure place where everyone can learn to accept that different beliefs and customs are a bonus that enriches and rewards Scotland as a whole.

Purposes of the curriculum 3-18 

In addition to the key contributions of the whole the course, Cara Henderson’s story may inspire young people to become:

effective contributors with an enterprising attitude, resilience and self-reliance

Activity

Pupils could be asked to find out about Nil by Mouth (NBM). They could learn to summarise by finding the 'key idea or ideas' from the NBM website and write it down. They could be asked to seek any further supporting evidence from other sections of the website or NBM leaflets. A speaker from NBM could be invited to provide a talk. Pupils could create a poster that would be about tackling and challenging sectarianism. Alternatively they could create a story board about Cara Henderson.

Useful links about Cara Henderson are here:

www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/main/resource.php?s36
www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4186759,00.html

The Cara Henderson Story (as adapted for use with pupils by David Gray)

One day in October 1995 was to change Cara Henderson's life for ever. Cara was just 15 years of age when football took on a whole new meaning for her.

Her friend Mark Scott who was 16 years of age was walking home from a Celtic v. Partick Thistle match at Parkhead Stadium. He was minding his own business.

As he approached Bridgeton Cross the collar of his jacket opened, revealing a Celtic top. A man, who claimed to be a Rangers supporter, ran up to Mark and slashed his throat open.

Later that day Mark died and the man was charged with murder. The culprit of this sectarian murder claimed he had killed Mark because he was a Roman Catholic.

Cara was shocked and disgusted at the waste of such a short life. This made her determined to do something to try to end sectarianism.

She founded an anti-sectarianism organisation which she called Nil By Mouth when she was only 19.