Pupils and staff at Highnam Academy in Gloucestershire have been presented with a Bronze Award from Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours scheme in recognition of their role in tackling poverty overseas.
The accreditation scheme celebrates schools that are helping pupils learn about global poverty and the Christian responsibility to tackle it, as well as giving them the tools to play a confident part in creating a fairer world.
Liz Coldrick, Deputy Headteacher said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for the work we have carried out as a whole school community to raise awareness of the extreme inequalities across our globe and perhaps more importantly, the steps we can take to address these.
“We took part in Christian Aid’s scheme because it gives us a practical way of living out our school values. We encourage our pupils to be caring and compassionate community-focused citizens.
“Our world is increasingly connected and our hope is for our children to grow as responsible global citizens who care about issues such as the environment and access to healthcare. The children have especially enjoyed supporting Miss Read who is currently working for a charity in Mozambique.”
Caroline Weir, Education Coordinator at Christian Aid, said: “The Global Neighbours Scheme was launched in partnership with the Church of England’s Education Office with a vision of helping young people understand more about the inequalities in this world and helping them to become courageous advocates for those who have no voice.
It’s wonderful to see how staff and pupils at Highnam C of E Primary Academy have taken this to heart and are seeking to tackle injustice.”
The Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt Revd Robert Springett said, “This is a tremendous achievement for the whole school community, enabling them to explore how they belong to the wider world, the connections that bind us and the responsibilities that we bear to each other. It is an exciting development and an encouragement for other schools.”
Any primary school in England can join the Global Neighbours scheme. There are three levels of accreditation: bronze, silver and gold. These are verified by Church of England Education Office assessors, who look for evidence across five areas: school leadership, teaching and learning; collective worship and spiritual development; pupil participation; and community engagement.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the volunteer Christian Aid Teacher role can visit www.christianaid.org.uk/volunteering/become-christian-aid-teacher or contact their local Christian Aid office via the website www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved-locally
News Hub
