Children at a Sunderland primary school are beaming with pride, after being presented with the LiveSimply Award from the international aid charity CAFOD, which recognises efforts to tackle poverty by taking small, simple steps to be more sustainable and improve lives and wellbeing.
St John Bosco Catholic Primary school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was presented with the award, after children across the school enjoyed supporting local foodbanks, visited a local care home and raised money for CAFOD.
Their many commitments to living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with communities around the world experiencing poverty also saw them carry out ‘disconnect from technology’ days and ‘energy-saving’ days.
The school’s headteacher, Lianne Peart said the whole school community was delighted to celebrate the achievement of the CAFOD LiveSimply Award.
“St John Bosco Catholic Primary School is delighted to receive this national recognition from CAFOD,” she said.
“The award recognises the commitment of pupils, staff, governors, families and the wider school community to putting Catholic Social Teaching into action through practical initiatives that care for people and the planet.
“Throughout the award journey, the school has undertaken a wide range of projects focused on the three key principles of the Live Simply Award: live simply, live sustainably, live in solidarity.”
Lianne added the recognition reflects the dedication of pupils, staff, families and governors “who continually strive to live out our Catholic values each day”.
"The award celebrates not only what we have achieved together but also our ongoing commitment to caring for our common home and standing in solidarity with those most in need," she said.
CAFOD is a Christian charity which aims to improve the lives of people across the world who are facing the injustices of poverty, conflict and the climate crisis.
The LiveSimply award is open to Catholic schools and colleges in England and Wales that commit to faith inspired actions, demonstrating they are living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the communities around the world experiencing poverty.
For more information about St John Bosco Catholic Primary School, visit www.stjohnboscosunderland.org.uk
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
ENDS
Photo captions: Pupils at St John Bosco with their Live Simply Award.
Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Walker on 07896 894538.