What does it mean to be a young migrant learning about a new life in Fife?
That is being explored in a new photographic exhibition at St Andrews’ Bell Pettigrew Museum in an “eye opening” experience for young participants.
Created by pupils from Madras College and young migrants who have recently arrived in Fife, Encountering Scotland shows images taken by young people from Syria, Vietnam, Turkey and Pakistan.
The exhibition, which runs until August 31, shares some of their thoughts on nature, people and the differences between Scotland and their home cultures.
It is the result of a collaborative project between the Museum of the University of St Andrews and Fife Council’s department of English for speakers of other languages.
The young migrants have worked closely with pupils from Madras who discussed experiences with the group and worked with them to write the text on display.
Pupils, who received training in employability skills, took charge of all aspects of the exhibition which has been supported by Stagecoach.
MUSA’s learning and access curator Matt Sheard said: “At times it’s been quite eye opening for the school pupils.
“One of the photographs in the exhibition shows a sink with both taps running.
“The Syrian girl who took it explained to them that she chose this as her subject to show how grateful she is for the water in this country.
“In Syria water is scarce and often dirty. That, I think, gave them a new take on life.”
He said everyone involved had made new friends.
“One of the subjects that comes across quite strongly in the display is people – the participants were keen to show how happy they think the people of Scotland are.
“Other things that the migrants have noticed are quite surprising, the size of jellyfish here, how low the clouds are in the sky or even the funny way in which seagulls behave.”
Fife Council English tutor Alison Marshall said it had been a very rewarding way to work.
“To facilitate an opportunity for ‘real’ language contact with native speakers is a surprisingly difficult thing to achieve.
“I truly felt that the students benefitted greatly.”
An extended version of the exhibition will be on display at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries from January 19.
