LAST WEEK, pupils from five schools came together – virtually – to look at potential action to create a more sustainable world.
Hosted by Holme Grange School, the Beyond COP21 Symposium brought together 100 pupils from the Heathlands Road learning centre along with Zoom sessions for Evendons, Waverley, St Crispin’s and St Teresa’s schools.
The symposium was launched in the wake of the Paris summit which saw nations sign an accord on global warming. It aims to educate and mobilise school communities and links the Climate Crisis to the crucial role of, and action on, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through a platform which supports whole-school engagement, community outreach and corporate responsibility.
One of the delegates said that it had been an inspiring session: “Despite the challenges faced by the pandemic, the school demonstrated great resolve, passion and determination in making this event a great success and showing its commitment towards sustainability.”
Holme Grange said it wanted to thank guests who helped make the event successful, through running exhibitions, workshops and presenting sessions.
These included Matt Larsen-Daw, Education Manager WWF-UK; Tara Golshan, director of education at Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots; Ricardo Carioni, deputy ambassador of Nicaragua to the UK, Ireland and Iceland; ChicP, Dr Jeff Allan; and Melanie Harwood at eduCCate Global and Onestep.
Mr Carioni, the deputy ambassador for the Embassy of Nicaragua to UK, Ireland and Iceland, said: “What a brilliant symposium. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and engage with such wonderful young students. It really gives me hope seeing their interest and knowledge in sustainability and climate action.
“And I loved every minute of it. Thank you.”
