Oakgrove Integrated Primary School in Derry’s Waterside has raised its first ever Green Flag after being presented with the prestigious award by the Eco-Schools programme.
Oakgrove pupils with their newly-acquired Green Flag.
The Limavady Road school was presented with the Green Flag by officials from the Eco-Schools programme who said Oakgrove was as “perfect example” of an eco-school, stating they were “very impressed” by the work and enthusiasm of its pupils.
Oakgrove becomes the 12th school in Derry to be presented with a Green Flag by the Eco-Schools programme which aims include making environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of life and ethos in school.
The Eco-Schools Green Flag, awarded to schools with high achievement in their programme, is a recognised and respected eco-label for environmental education and performance.
Involving pupils, students, teachers, non-teaching staff and parents, the programme endeavours to extend learning beyond the classroom and develop responsible attitudes and commitment, both at home and in the wider community.
The programme was developed in 1994 on the basis of the need for involving young people in finding solutions to environmental and sustainable development challenges at the local level, as identified at the UN Conference on Environment and Development of 1992.
The programme was initiated by Member organisations of the Foundation for Environmental Education with the support of the European Commission.
It is now being implemented throughout the world: there are schools in Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania and Asia.
The number of Eco-Schools is growing as more and more schools take up the challenge and work towards improving their environment through education and action. Fifty-two countries are now signed up to the Eco-Schools programme, sharing the same methodology and concept, and are identified by the Eco-Schools logo and Green Flag.
In Northern Ireland, the Eco-Schools Programme is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, an environmental charity. Principal sponsor is Airtricity with further funding and support provided by the Department of the Environment and other organisations.
The majority of local councils also offer invaluable practical support for the programme.
Northern Ireland is ranked ninth out of the 52 participating countries for number of Green Flag status schools.
Downpatrick Nursery was the first school in the world be be presented with a Eco-Schools Green Flag on 15 June 1994.
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