Gateshead pupils 'Go Green' to support communities fighting climate crisis

Pupils from St Joseph's RC Junior school in Birtley, Gateshead, are raising funds to support women and men risking their lives to protect the planet.

Leading up to the COP26 climate talks in November, CAFOD is challenging individuals, schools and parishes across the England and Wales to fight the climate crisis by undertaking a climate-related fundraiser such as cycling, going vegetarian or plastic-free to support communities in the Amazon who are putting their lives on the line to defend the rainforest - and the vital role it plays in our world's ecosystem.

A year 6 pupil from St Joseph's RC Junior school shared what inspired him to take part in the 'Go Green' challenge - and why standing in solidarity with communities on the frontline is important: "There are lots of people losing their homes and lives because of climate change. We must do something about it."

Adding why it's important for young people to campaign against the climate crisis, he said: "I feel like young people need to know what's happening around the world. They need to get involved and act together to fight against climate change. Bush fires are destroying places where people live, and when those children grow up, they won't have anything and won't be able to take charge. We need to fight for them too."

Sharing how quickly decisions must be made to put a stop to the climate crisis, a year 4 pupil from St Jospeh's RC Junior school sends this message to world leaders: "You need to do what's best for everyone, not just your area. This is everyone's problem!"

More than 100 pupils and teachers from St Joseph's have fundraised for the climate crisis appeal by arranging a green themed non-uniform day, writing Go Green pledges and letter to world leaders ahead of COP26, rally the wider community to look after the environment through artistic displays on the school fence and holding Go Green assemblies to explore ways in which communities can live a greener life, to support the men and women guarding our ecosystems.

One of the guardians of the rainforest, Ivanilde, lives within a few acres of preserved rainforest in a heavily deforested region of the Brazilian Amazon.

The rainforest survives because of the hard work and courage of Ivanilde and her community - and they survive and make a living from the fruits and vegetables they can grow there.

"The rainforest is a big part of our lives," says Ivanilde. "It's important for us to keep on planting. It's good for nature, because we plant trees to help reforest, and everything we plant here can be sold. Everything benefits our family."

Year 4 teacher at St Joseph's RC Junior school, Rachel Prior said: "At St Joseph's we have always been enthusiastic supporters of CAFOD. The same can be said for our Infant school and St. Benet's RC Primary School, which all reside within our parish. We firmly believe in the ethos of CAFOD and the fantastic work that they do for those who need help the most.

"This year in particular, the Go Green theme has really grabbed our attention. The upcoming COP26 conference has focused our thoughts on climate change and protecting the environment."

Donate to St Joseph's 'Go Green' fundraiser here: Rachel Prior is fundraising for The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) (justgiving.com) www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stjosephsbirtley