Scottish Catholic Observer

A group of 17 pupils from St Peter the Apostle High School had recently set-up a Society of St Vincent de Paul group, and decided to focus on helping the homeless and recent refugees brought to the country from Syria.

After getting in touch with the local council, the pupils travelled to Clydebank Community Centre where they presented their gifts to Scotland’s newest arrivals.

A hamper had been prepared for each of the Syrian families, and the school pupils had spend the previous weeks collecting toiletries, household items and toys to be divided between their two good causes, as well as accepting donations from children and staff at the school.

At the meeting with around ten Syrian families, the ice was broken by one of the refugees who told the pupils, via a translator, that those gathered in the hall were already friends, as they were all human beings.

The formalities over with, the pupils began playing with the young Syrian children and their new toys, while the St Peter the Apostle girls gave the Syrian women some sartorial advise on what to wear in a Scottish climate slightly colder than the one they were used to.

Ten Syrian families arrived in Clydebank at the end of November, having gone through a thorough two-stage vetting process.

Pauline Barr, principal teacher of RE at St Peter the Apostle’s, accompanied the pupils on their visit, and said it was a really touching experience.

“The St Peter the Apostle pupils have now invited the Syrian children, who attend Clydebank High School, to visit them at their school.

As well as the gifts for the Syrian families, the pupils made donations to the homeless living in Glasgow’s Bellgrove Hotel hostel, and to the SSVP’s Ozanam Clubs that provide activities for children and adults with additional support needs, and respite for parents and carers.

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—This story ran in full in the January 15 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.