Pupils at St James’ Primary School in Paisley met visitors from a range of professions at an event encouraging them to believe their backgrounds should not limit their ambitions.
The school in Shortroods held its ‘See It, Be It’ event as part of its Black History Month 2026 celebrations.
Children from Primary 1 to Primary 7 heard six guests share their personal journeys, career experiences and the challenges they have overcome. Pupils also had the opportunity to ask questions.
The visitors were University of the West of Scotland lecturer Olamide Olusegun; ethnic minority group leader Susan Stewart; radio presenter George Tah; trainee solicitor Debbie Alhassan; midwife Benedicte Ndongala; and St Mirren Women’s footballer Praise Adebo.
Through their stories, the guests encouraged pupils to believe in themselves, embrace their identities and recognise that their background or the colour of their skin should never limit their aspirations.
Jambo! Radio presenter George Tah said: “Through my work at Jambo! Radio, I’ve seen how important it is to share stories and learn about the different cultures and people in our communities. I hope the pupils take away that getting to know one another helps us understand and respect each other—and that society is better when we work together.”
University of the West of Scotland lecturer Olamide Olusegun said: “I hope the children left the event feeling encouraged to dream big, believe in themselves and recognise that their aspirations are valid. With the right support, they can achieve their goals.”
St James’ acting depute head teacher Layna McGhee, who organised the event, said: “We wanted our children to see themselves reflected in people who have achieved success across a wide range of careers and to understand that their aspirations should never be limited by their background or the colour of their skin.
“Representation matters. When children can see people who look like them achieving great things, it helps them believe that those opportunities are within their reach too.
“What made the event particularly powerful was the opportunity for our pupils to hear real stories from real people, ask questions and learn about the different journeys that have led them to where they are today.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our visitors for giving up their time to inspire our children. We hope they have left with the confidence to dream big, aim high and believe that anything is possible.”
Photo: St James’ Primary School’s ‘See It, Be It’ event formed part of its Black History Month celebrations
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Six guests visited the Paisley school to share their personal journeys and career experiences
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 had the opportunity to hear from visitors and ask questions
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: St James’ acting depute head teacher Layna McGhee organised the ‘See It, Be It’ event
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: The event encouraged pupils to believe their backgrounds should never limit their ambitions
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Visitors shared the challenges they have overcome during the school’s ‘See It, Be It’ event
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council