pressrelease

Contact: Cherry Hamson
Tel: 01527 597757

February 22nd, 2006

PRIMARY SCHOOLS TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE

More than 2,000 primary schools are finding out how recycling in the UK is helping tackle the effects of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa.

The schools have registered for a new resource pack and tree-growing kit which shows how a tree is being grown in the Gabio Forest, Burkina Faso for every tonne of aluminium cans and foil recycled in the UK. The more we recycle, the more trees will be grown, and it is hoped that enough people will get the recycling habit in 2006 to enable 40,000 new trees to be planted.

The resource pack links to the Key Stage 2 curriculum for geography, science and PSE, and includes an activity card with full teacher's notes, and informative classroom poster, introducing children to the way of life in an African village, and the uses of the tree species chosen. There is also a tree growing kit for native UK trees, to encourage children to relate to the African experience.

Longer dry seasons in the area are seriously damaging the ancient forests on which many village communities depend. Trees are dying earlier, bush fires are more frequent, and food is more scarce. So re-planting trees and learning how to manage them in the new conditions are essential for the future.

The new trees which will result from a boost to UK recycling have been chosen for their food and medicinal uses - mango, cashew, baobab and nere - and because they encourage the production of honey.

The first 1,000 tree-growing kits produced by not for profit organisation Alupro were so over-subscribed that a re-run was ordered, and additional stocks are now available from Alupro on 01527 597757.

Downloads of the resources are also available via the education section at www.alupro.org.uk, as well as full details of the trees project.

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