Students from age three to 18 at Nobel International School in Porches, Lagoa, came together on Friday, September 27 to protest about the need for climate action.
The event, involving students, teachers and parents, took place during a break time and was a voluntary turnout. Portugal and other countries joined this global initiative.
As an Eco School, teachers decided to be a part of this and, with short notice, prepared an activity in which everyone could participate. Representative teacher of Eco Schools, Nuno Rodrigues, said: âWe were aware that some children and their families were planning to attend the PortimĂŁo demonstration, but this was cancelled at short notice. Some children had already prepared banners and we decided that there was time for everyone to have the opportunity and so in lessons, before the demonstration, children had a chance to learn something about the global climate strikes. It was inspiring and reassuring to see so many of the children decide to take part in this event â itâs clear that so many of them feel very passionate about making changes to the way we live our lives.â
The international school was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Eco Schools last year, marking the excellent work done by teachers, students and management to make a positive difference. To achieve the Eco Status green flag, and to keep it, schools must create an Eco Committee, an Eco Code and it must complete an Environmental Review, an Action Plan, Curriculum Work, and inform and involve the whole school community. All of this has to be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis.
In addition, the school celebrates International Day of Trees each year by planting in its extensive orchard to the rear of the main school building. And this year, students approached the Head of School requesting that the school signed a commitment to not release balloons.
âAwareness is definitely growing amongst all of our pupils, even our youngest. We often hear on a Monday morning of students who have joined in with beach clean-ups. It is incredibly rewarding to be involved,â added Mr Rodrigues.
Photo: A group of Year 5 students wave their banners at the voluntary climate action protest
