Long-term sustainability at school scoops WWF award
A primary school in Pwllheli has won a national conservation prize, clinching victory in WWF’s Green Ambassador Awards for protecting the planet.
Ysgol Gynradd Abererch faced stiff competition from schools across Wales in the nationwide search to find primary schools encouraging and empowering the next generation of sustainability champions.
The annual awards are part of WWF’s flagship Green Ambassadors scheme, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The awards showcase the very best examples of schools putting environment and sustainability at the heart of what they do. As well as celebrating their achievements, their story will now help inspire schools across the country to embark on their own green initiatives.
Head Teacher Annwen Hughes said: “We’re really proud to have been chosen as the top school for the Green Ambassador Award. It’s recognition of how we as a school community have embedded the principles of a green way of living into our daily routines and work. We take pride in being a caring school – we care about each other and the environment. “Our pupils are the adults of the future. They must play an active role in protecting and improving the environment. The skills and attitudes we give them in their early school years will hopefully have positive impact on their lifestyle, and make them aware of their responsibilities as citizens. We believe it’s our duty as a school to promote a caring attitude towards the environment.”
Cherry Duggan, Head of Schools & Youth at WWF said: “Abererch School’s long term focus on sustainability is having a genuine impact. Alongside their vegetable patches and ‘bug hotels’, we were impressed by the range of projects they’re involved in – such as a SMART group in school encouraging pupils to rethink how they use energy. The School also has a real commitment to reducing transport congestion because of an increase in enrolment, so they hold events and training workshops on alternatives like cycling. It’s inspirational to see so many young people coming together to protect our planet.”
WWF Ambassador and presenter Ben Fogle launched the Green Ambassador Awards in March 2017. As well as sending a personal video message to the school, he said: “We’ve been searching Wales to find the primary schools that are making a real difference for our planet, so I want to congratulate all of the teachers and pupils at Ysgol Gynradd Abererch for winning this award. We can’t wait to hear what exciting plans they have next for our environment.”
The School will receive a special award plaque as well as a £1,000 prize thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help further their green work. Ysgol Gynradd Abererch plans to use the money to build cycle and scooter racks with a shelter.