Mary Glindon MP and Christine Allen, CAFOD Director, with pupils from St Andrews major primary school
Schools up and down the country have been getting Creative for Climate Justice – an initiative which helps young people raise their voices in a call for a fairer and greener future for all.
The scheme is a partnership between CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam GB, Send My Friend to School and the Royal Society of Literature, with support from the Climate Coalition.
Students came up with creative ways of sharing their opinions about climate change and their hopes for the planet – in drawings, poetry, sculpture or prose. Their work has been displayed in school and community exhibits, and local MPs invited along to talk about issues of climate justice.
Pieces from each school were selected for a national online gallery, and for an exhibition in the Houses of Parliament where several young people met MPs and urged them to take action on climate issues.
Ten-year-old Anna Agyeman said she was excited to be a climate justice contributor: “I want our artwork to show that people can have a big impact on the climate of our Earth, and tell them to keep it healthy. I was nervous about going to the Houses of Parliament, as I have never been there, but excited.”
And Nethaya Fonseka, aged 13, said taking part in Creative for Climate Justice was inspiring and challenging. She added: “I feel proud to be part of a movement that highlights the urgency of climate justice and I hope I can help inspire action. I want MPs to recognise that we should care about the future of our planet and commit to stronger policies that protect the environment and support people and communities most affected by climate change.”
Children’s author Nizrana Farook went along to the exhibition to meet some of the young artists and said the work was thought-provoking, adding: “The pictures showed a lot of darkness but there was hope depicted too with bright colours and sunshine for what could still be achievable if we act now. The young people I spoke to were knowledgeable and passionate about climate justice and it was a heartening and positive event.”
Chris Law, MP for Dundee West, said: “I’m truly inspired by the knowledge, the commitment and the passion to defend our planet. I learned from my two young tour guides, Olamide and George, to double my effort to campaign in this Parliament.”
And Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, congratulated students from her constituency who had their poetry on display, adding: “The inspiring poems reflected on young people's concerns about climate change and their vision for the future.”
Josh Grear, spokesperson for Creative for Climate Justice, said the event was a success: “Young people have strong opinions on issues of justice and the climate. This was a great opportunity for them to talk to MPs and express their opinions.”
Nethaya added: “It’s easy to feel like one voice can’t make a difference but when we all come together our voices are powerful. Keep learning, keep speaking up and never underestimate the impact you can have in creating change in our world.”
Creative for Climate Justice is open to all primary and secondary schools, FE colleges and alternative provision providers in the UK.
