14 April 2023

Students campaign for change at Children’s Environmental Parliament

Pupils from five H&F primary schools got vocal at the 20th Children's Environmental Parliament.

Categories:
Children and young people

St John's Primary School at the 2023 Children's Environmental Parliament

Pupils from five Hammersmith & Fulham primary schools got vocal on green issues at last month's Children's Environmental Parliament.

Marking the Parliament's 20th anniversary, students from All Saints Church of England, Old Oak Primary School, St John's Walham Green, Thomas's Academy and The London Oratory School (Junior House) joined their peers from Kensington and Chelsea at Kensington Town Hall.

Two Year 6 students represented each school and presented their chosen topic to a crowd of more than 80 pupils.

"Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our borough," said Cllr Alex Sanderson, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.

"It's fantastic to see that the youngest members of our community are already so passionate about making real change both globally and locally. It's their drive that's helping to make H&F a stronger, safer, kinder borough and supporting us in becoming the UK's greenest borough."

Campaigning on local issues

Presentations focused on themes including fast fashion, food waste, air quality, local biodiversity and looking after The Thames.

As part of their research, each pair of environmental campaigners met with council officers, community groups and environmental organisations. This included the Hammersmith Community Gardens Association, Kings College London and the London Wetland Centre, all with the help of Urbanwise.London.

Pupils from All Saints church of England School present on the River Thames

Award winning presentations

Threehighly sought-after awards were up for grabs on the day, awarded by a panel of expert judges.

These were award for the best presentation skills, won by St John's Walham Green, the greatest research, won by Old Oak Primary School, and the strongest environmental action, won by Thomas's Academy.

"The event gives children the opportunity to have their say on local issues and to present their own ideas and solutions to decision makers," added one of the judges Moya O'Hara, Director of Urbanwise.London.

Hear from pupils and catch all the highlights of the day with our round-up video.