The re-launch of WWW Westport Walks Wednesdays for all schools in Westport, both primary and secondary, will take place on February 16. Since November 2009, schools in Westport have been quietly participating in WWW. Most schools in Westport were working towards their Green Flag for Travel, as part of An Taisce’s green schools programme.
In cooperation with Westport Town Council it was decided that all schools would collaborate and the WWW initiative began. Students from the Sacred Heart School came up with the name WWW Westport Walks Wednesdays.
Since 2009 participation numbers have peaked to 87 per cent in some schools. Pupils, parents, and teachers are stepping up to the challenge and travel to school in a sustainable manner, even in grim weather conditions. They walk, cycle, carpool, Park’N’Stride, and take the bus to school on Wednesdays. Park’N’Stride locations are still in place around the town so people who live outside the town can also participate.
Park’n’Stride locations are Tesco car park – Altamount Street, Mill/High Street car park top level, Westport Town Council – Ballinrobe Road, Portwest – Castlebar Road, car park beside Westport Fire Station – Leenane Road.
Pupils in the primary schools fill out weekly record cards to document the numbers who participate. These results will be tallied at the end of the school year.
Nuacht Na nÓg, Gaelsceal will visit Westport on February 16 and will film the WWW initiative. It will also visit Gaeslcoil Na Cruaiche and create a video showing actions that other green schools can follow nationwide.
This initiative helps to ease congestion in Westport, promote sustainable modes of transport, reduce CO2 emissions, increase activity and health levels in adults and children. Participants will also contribute to community development by interacting with the community. Such interaction is limited when we travel by car which can be very isolating. So put your best foot forward and walk to school.
