Schools across Northern Ireland are leading the way in going green and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Eco-Schools Programme an exciting event is taking place at Magherfelt’s Meadowbank Sports Arena on the 5th March 2015 to thank pupils and teachers for all their dedication and inspire them with new ideas.

Running in 59 countries worldwide, the Programme was founded by the Foundation for Environmental Education and now has over 15,000,000 pupils taking part. The event will host thousands of pupils and hundreds of schools from all across Northern Ireland. Eco-Schools Ambassador Frank Mitchell will be compering the event, with David Meade providing mind-bending entertainment, a World Record attempt will be made on the day, Scientific Sue will dazzle with an explosive presentation, Junk Kouture will be putting on a recycled fashion show and Q-Radio will be broadcasting their roadshow from the event.

Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: “The event is a very special occasion to recognise the fantastic work of Eco-Schools schools across Northern Ireland. It is wonderful to see our young people getting involved in all kinds of environmental projects from recycling and energy saving, to developing their school gardens and living healthily. This event will be a unique opportunity for schools to come together to celebrate their work and learn new ideas through the sharing of good practice in environmental action. We are delighted to have representatives from the international Foundation for Environmental Education coming on the day and with various workshops exhibitions and activities throughout the day it promises to be an exciting and interactive occasion.”

Eco-Schools Northern Ireland, operated by environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, supported by DOE and sponsored by SSE Airtricity, are the first country in the world to reach 100% of schools registered on the programme. They can also boast the first ever Green Flag in the world awarded to Downpatrick Nursery School in 1994.

“Over 200 schools here now have Green Flag status and the enthusiasm of the pupils and teachers continues to be an inspiration. Schools here have made incredible progress to improve the environmental impact of their school, from one school saving £6000 pounds on their energy bill, to 2 schools sending zero waste to landfill and many schools growing vegetables, looking after wildlife and even keeping hens. The variety and innovation displayed by schools is never ending and now the 20th Anniversary Celebration Event is an opportunity to show case this achievement, thank schools for all their dedication and inspire them with new ideas too.” said Carmel.

The Eco-Schools 20th anniversary event is supported by the Department of the Environment, SSE Airtricity and Magherafelt District Council. Sponsors of the event include; ni4kids, Translink, Trócaire, Cookstown Textile Recyclers, The Wrigley Company Foundation, The Global Learning Programme, Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Ltd), Junk Kouture, Safety Solutions, En Algae,  Environmental Street Furniture, School Web Design, European Recycling Platform (ERP), Garden Escapes, Helping Hand Environmental, Carecall, FP McCann Ltd, Jumping Clay, Unicorn Urban,   Jilly Dougan Edible Gardens and Heyn.

Workshops and exhibitions include: Bryson Energy, RSPB, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Sustrans, Cyclepods, Habitat NI, Ulster Wildlife, OPAL, Unicorn Urban, Climate NI, Ballinderry Rivers Trust, NI Water and many more.

A full list of sponsors and exhibitors is available at www.eco-schoolsni.org/events.aspx .

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