Motherwell pupils’ campaign drives home the clean air message
A clear air campaign by pupils at St Brendan’s and Muirhouse primary schools is targeting drivers to help cut pollution in the area.
Earlier this month the two schools joined forces and took part in a morning protest to highlight the issue.
And now pupils at both schools have been busy designing posters to highlight the issue.
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Muirhouse Primary principal teacher Leanne Smith said: “Children have been putting their artistic talents to good use by designing some eye-catching posters and banners to remind parents and carers that they really shouldn’t be parking close to the school or sitting with their engines idling.
“The standard of the entries was really high and the pupils showed great enthusiasm for this campaign.”
Adam Amiri from P5 at St Brendan’s said, “I felt nervous before the protest but during the protest, I felt like the war had stopped because people were listening to our words and we had made a huge change.”
The schools have held joint assemblies on this subject and have been working with SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) who will install clean air monitors outside the schools to assess air quality in the area.
“The protest made me feel like I had the right to be heard and protest and stand up for what I believe in. I am happy that our voices have been heard and can make a difference,” said Rose Summers P7 at Muirhouse Primary.
The campaign has brought together both schools on an issue close to everyone’s hearts.
“It has been wonderful to have both schools working together on this important issue. The power of Pupil Voice is a real focus for both schools working towards their Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award this year.
“Our pupils are so environmentally aware and their dedication to improving our local community is inspiring to see,” added Katie Jamieson, Head Teacher of Muirhouse Primary School.
Provost of North Lanarkshire Kenneth Duffy congratulated everyone at both schools on their achievements for what he described as an excellent campaign.
“We want to make sure North Lanarkshire is a clean and safe place to live and learn and this campaign, which is making such a difference, is a wonderful example of collaboration in action,” he said.
“The winning posters are superb and I’m sure they will drive home the message that keeping your engine on outside the school gates and parking where you shouldn’t be is completely unacceptable,” he added.
Maura Oates, Head Teacher of St Brendan’s Primary said: “The pupils have embraced this project and it’s been wonderful to see how engaged they are. We’ve worked so well on this issue, which matters so much to everyone who lives and works here.
“The Rights Respecting Schools joint venture between St Brendan’s and Muirhouse Primary schools saw pupils highlight community safety at a school assembly.
“And both schools participated in a joint assembly/coffee morning as part of the ‘We Are Muirhouse’ project, before the Easter break.”
Dr Colin Gillespie, Unit Manager for Environmental Quality at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “As Scotland’s environment agency, we’re delighted to work with North Lanarkshire and support these trailblazing schools that have voluntarily come together to actively protest about the local air quality on their routes to school.
“It is encouraging to see young children keen to see the data produced from the air pollution monitors outside their schools and proactively lead change in their local communities.
“With a long history of supporting air quality around schools in Scotland, we recognise the importance of clean air, especially on young lungs and that we’ve all got a part to play in protecting and inspiring the next generation of citizen scientists.”
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