Pupils encouraged to ditch a knife and save a life

May 26 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

AN innovative approach to tackling the problem of knife culture has been launched in South Lanarkshire secondary schools.

The initiative, being run by South Lanarkshire Council's Youth Learning Service, was piloted at John Ogilvie High School and will soon be rolled out to all secondary schools in the area.

A range of workshops are being delivered to third and fourth year pupils to raise awareness of the dangers involved with knife crime and gang culture.

The sessions explore public perception of gang culture and identify the effects it has on victims, offenders and on family and friends.

Pupils watch a hard-hitting DVD, which explores the impact violent crimes have on the medical services and also the dangers associated to violent crime.

Young people are also introduced to the dangers of knives and knife crime and given statistics on jail terms for knife possession.

The project is delivered in partnership with Strathclyde Police - Violence Reduction Unit and Medics against Violence - and will soon be offered to all secondary schools within the Hamilton and Clydesdale area, with Calderside Academy, Hamilton Grammar and Holy Cross High already signed up.

Councillor Davie McLachlan, South Lanarkshire Council's spokesperson for youth said: “It is fitting that this project was launched at John Ogilvie High School as the local community is still reeling from the tragic loss of a former pupil recently to knife crime.

“This initiative aims to tackle gang culture as early as possible and give young people the knowledge and skills they need to make positive choices.

“The pilot has been incredibly well received by the pupils of John Ogilvie and I have no doubt that it will continue to be successful as it is rolled out to other schools in the area.”