Eco-schools clean up in awards ceremony
17th March 2008
Minster CEP School, Minster-in-Thanet was one of 11 schools that recently collected a Clean Kent Schools award. The Clean Kent Campaign and Kent Eco-Schools Project are helping schools to take part in a structured programme of activities that help them create and maintain a litter-free environment.
The 11 schools at the event represent the first to be registered and awarded under this inaugural scheme. Launched in 2007, 165 schools have since registered in the Eco-schools project which allows them to become accredited as a Bronze, Silver or Red Flag establishment.
Having attained the status of Red Flag award, the children of Minster School took part in activities that included setting up a 'Litter Detective' scheme to clean the area outside the school. Attending the event with the pupils was Pat Hodges teacher and project co-ordinator. Pat said:
The children have worked very hard and are thrilled to be here today. Our school takes the subject of litter and the environment very seriously and our pupils are all keen to learn more about this important issue.
Presenting the awards was Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator. Melanie comments:
I feel very encouraged seeing these young children actively engaged in learning about their environment. It seems right that we reward them for their hard work and this prize fits in with the Clean Kent Campaign objectives of protecting, preserving and enjoying our clean and beautiful county.
Taking place at Sessions House, Maidstone the fun-packed ceremony included a close-up magician to entertain the crowds and a specially commissioned celebratory cake for the children to enjoy.
For more details on how to register and join this ongoing scheme, visit www.kent.gov.uk/ecoschools
