OnFife helped inspire young minds on International Women’s Day on Friday with empowering stories of brave girls challenging norms and an exhibition celebrating a trailblazing Scottish women’s football team who played 100 years ago.
The cultural charity brought acclaimed writer Priscilla Mante to Fife to meet hundreds of youngsters at events in Kirkcaldy and Methil.
The morning saw 120 children from Dunnikier and Strathallan Primary Schools in Kirkcaldy attend an author event at the Adam Smith Theatre with Priscilla, whose The Dream Team series of books is about girls’ football and following your dreams.
They then went across the road to Kirkcaldy Galleries for the opening of the exhibition – about the history of Rutherglen Ladies – and hear a talk by Venue Supervisor Carolyn Johnston, whose great-grandmother played for the team, and enjoy other football-related activities.
Carolyn said: “We were delighted to welcome the pupils and Priscilla to Kirkcaldy Galleries to celebrate International Women’s Day and the opening of our Trailblazers exhibition, which charts the story of women’s football in Scotland in the inter-war years.
“The exhibition focuses on the discrimination by both the English and Scottish Football Associations and how, in the face of adversity, these young women still played the game they loved.”
In the afternoon Priscilla visited East Fife FC’s Bayview ground in Methil, where 90 children from Aberhill Primary School met the author for a talk and question-and-answer session.
Priscilla made the most of her visit to Fife by also leading an adult writing workshop the previous evening to celebrate World Book Day.
World Book Day and International Women’s Day are part of OnFife’s annual engagement programme with young people and families in Fife.
Sabrina Maguire, Engagement Co-Ordinator, said: “It was a busy week with nearly 30 events to celebrate World Book Day and International Women’s Day, but we love getting out into the communities in Fife to celebrate books, reading and inclusivity with young.
“International Women’s Day this year was extra special with Priscilla joining us to entertain children with her brilliant stories and their even better message about having the courage to
dream. Seeing the look on young faces as they hear a real-life author speak about things important to them is unbeatable.”
Rachel-Jane Morrison, Engagement Co-Ordinator for OnFife’s Relevant: Levenmouth project, said: “It was really great to welcome Priscilla to one of Methil’s most iconic venues and support the International Women’s Day event as part of our Relevant: Levenmouth project. The young people had a great time and staff enjoyed hearing about Priscilla’s creative processes too.”
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Notes to editors: OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife. Further information can be found at www.onfife.com
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