Schools go green for climate challenge

SCHOOLS across the Corangamite electorate will take part in a project aimed at helping students take climate change action at a local level following its official launch last Friday.

The Corangamite Schools Climate Challenge will see primary and secondary school students develop green schemes and raise awareness for the environment, something Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker said students care about.

“Young people are very well informed about this issue and passionate about making a difference,” she said.

“Reducing our carbon footprint by walking or riding to school, eating less red meat, reducing our waste and turning off the lights and appliances at the end of the day, are just some of the ways students are going to take action.”

Pupils at Bellbrae Primary School are participating in the challenge and sustainability coordinator Lachlan Hurrell said programs already in place at the school have taught children many lessons.

“Students have many opportunities to work on a variety of hands-on projects of practical benefit to the school environment and wider community,” he said.

“These learning experiences provide children with the opportunity to cultivate the vast and widely documented intellectual, physical and psychological benefits of environmental education.”

After the four-week challenge participating schools will have their projects judged by a panel, with the winner announced on Friday, 18 June.

Schools can submit their challenge registration at libbycoker.com.au/climatechallenge.