Promoting understanding, empathy, and tolerance: interview with Northern Ireland humanist school speaker, Mary Lou

My own experience of school in Northern Ireland was exclusively within one religion, and I really don’t recall any suggestion that any alternative beliefs should be considered. When I returned to Northern Ireland in the early 2000s, it seemed that the system had not changed. I became a humanist school speaker because I saw an opportunity to describe a way of life – humanism – in a way that could be helpful to young people. I’ve previously worked with young people from religious backgrounds who have had difficulties with their families, so it felt more important than ever.

I enjoy all of the training that I do with Humanist UK. It connects me to fellow humanists, and allows for an exchange of ideas and philosophy. It was practical; full of good examples of things that may occur in the classroom or assembly hall. It is always helpful in interactions with people – whether they are adults or children – to learn from other people’s experiences. I’ve still been asked a few questions I didn’t expect, but nonetheless, the training really helped a lot. Also, sometimes you have to say to a child ‘I don’t know the answer to that’, and I think the training gives you the confidence to do that, too. It certainly supported me. I did the training on my birthday – can’t think of a better way to celebrate!

As with most of my visits, it was to an ‘integrated’ primary school. It is a bit unsettling to be in front of maybe 100 children in the assembly hall. The children were very engaging, and I liked how they asked questions, and wanted to know things about humanism even though they were young.

There are always – even at integrated schools – children who come from probably quite fundamentalist Christian backgrounds. These children would say things like ‘god decided’ or ‘the Bible says’. So I learned very early on to say that everyone’s beliefs are important to them, and we’re all different. I came away wishing I’d done some things differently, such as trying to draw a Happy Human symbol [Editor’s note: You can download those resources for your classroom here]. which was interpreted by one child as an angel. You can’t argue with a 5-year-old who sees something like that. I also took away from that a great appreciation of integrated education, and a real sense of enjoyment in the company of children.

I think it is imperative that the service is provided to schools in Northern Ireland. We can be a somewhat insular people, and I believe that for young people to have exposure to ideas and thoughts and different ways of being is very important. We have a long history in some parts of our communities of bigotry. It’s therefore important to spread tolerance as far as possible. It is somewhat depressing that so few visits here are by humanist speakers. I hope that we can persuade teachers that this is a way for children to consider a broad range of beliefs. I would encourage other humanists to speak in schools. It is so satisfying to present an alternative to young people. Teachers love to have you and the students are a delight. You arrive home with a smile on your face – best way to start the day!

It is respectful of each human being and encourages self-reflection and the development of one‘s own approach to living. I have always held a strong belief in connection and that it underpins all human life, so I strongly appreciate the campaigning work of Humanists UK. All humans are important regardless of whether we can see them right in front of us or not, humanity depends on caring for one another. There’s also a joy in humanism which is appropriate given the odds against any of us being here at all.