A schools play for Earth Day

Ports of Jersey is sponsoring Every Child Our Future (ECOF) to produce a play for young children to celebrate Earth Day 2024 (Monday April 22).

The play is touring primary schools and aiming to reach 1,000 children in support of Earth Day’s aim to introduce climate education into the school curriculum.

The play – As I wander down the path – features a cast of animals who encourage the young audience to hear a babbling brook and the breeze through the trees. The audience is then shown how much rubbish human beings have been discarding into the rivers and onto the surrounding land. The animals experience some lucky escapes from the impact of discarded plastic, and end by encouraging the audience to recycle and dispose of their waste responsibly.

The world’s first Earth Day was in 1970 and now works with more than 150,000 partners in more than 192 countries to raise awareness, inspire change and foster a deeper connection with nature.

The charity’s CEO, Cris Lakeman, said: “We want every child to get the best possible education, including an opportunity to experience a live performance, and we are grateful to Ports of Jersey for their continuing support.

“This play links to the early years curriculum and aims to encourage care and concern for living things and the environment. Children of this age can begin to understand the effect their behaviour can have on the environment, and this play illustrates one aspect of that effect in a child-friendly way.”

Ports of Jersey has a partnership arrangement with ECOF, part of which has been used to produce this play for primary schools.

Every Child Our Future is a charity that enhances literacy and numeracy, and helps teachers and parents during the crucial early years. They team up with schools, teachers, parents, business, island governments and the wider community to ensure no child gets left behind.