75 primary school classrooms across Galway City and County will this year join the litter-picking Picker Pals Programme, learning about how to make the world better and have fun doing it.
The programme, run by environmental NGO VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment ) motivates and equips children with “Picker Packs” containing everything children need to go litter-picking. Starting as a pilot programme in 2019 Picker Pals has been a great success to date and will have over 1200 classrooms all across the country involved this year. Thanks to the support of Galway City and County Councils and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the organisers are looking for lots of schools in Galway to get involved.
Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council said Galway City Council is delighted to support the roll out of the Picker Pals programme in schools throughout the City.
“After an initial trial with St. Patrick’s Primary School, the feedback has been extremely positive.’’
Maria Finn, Administrative Officer, Galway County Council said Galway County Council supported a Pilot Picker Pals Programme in a local primary school in 2021.
“It was a huge success and we receive very positive feedback about the programme. The Picker Pals programme highlights the litter problem and it demonstrates how the problem can be reduced through a collaborative approach and continued education.’’
Picker Pals is a unique primary school programme that gives children the tools and motivation to become the next generation of environmentalists. The programme works through song, storybooks, activity books and real-world action, as Picker Pals lead litter-picking adventures with their families, sharing their stories and inspiring others to join the movement.
Children’s book author and creator of the Picker Pals programme, Patrick Jackson, said “If we can influence children at this key age, we have a chance of tackling the litter crisis. Picker Pals creates a positive mindset in children and families around the issue of litter and their own power to make a difference.”
Teachers and principals are also very enthusiastic about the programme with 100% of those involved saying they would recommend the programme to other teachers.
Jarlath Conboy teacher in St. Patrick’s Primary School in Galway said children take a great interest in caring for the environment and really thrive when given the opportunity to work in a programme such as Picker Pals.
“We incorporated Picker Pals into a variety of subjects, including art, English, science and drama so it was a rewarding experience for all involved,” he said.
Picker Pals is free to selected participating schools thanks to the support of Galway City and County Councils and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. If you would like to get involved please register your interest via the Picker Pals website https://pickerpalsworld.org/
