23 June 2000
BALLYMENA SCHOOLS WIN EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS
Twelve schools in the Ballymena area have won European Environmental Awards.
The Awards, which are promoted by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe and organised locally by Tidy Northern Ireland, are designed to encourage environmental awareness, education and action.
Speaking at the Award Ceremony in Town Hall Ballymena, Jim Lamont, Chief Executive of DOE's Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) said: "It is a great credit to Ballymena, to teachers and especially to pupils, that 12 schools in the area have achieved European recognition.
"The young people of Ballymena have taken a lead in showing their commitment to protecting and conserving the environment. This sends a powerful message to the community at large.
"I welcome the way in which this scheme encourages schools to extend environmental issues beyond the curriculum in a very practical way. If young people can see the relevance and value of their involvement in conserving the environment while at school, they will carry this attitude and good practice through life. If you don't leave litter as a child you won't do so as an adult. If you become aware of the importance of switching off unnecessary lights as a young person, you will save energy as an adult.
"We in Environment and Heritage Service have a strong education emphasis and recently we published our Strategy for Environmental Education. This confirms our believe that education and related activities are a key tool in addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development.
"I hope that the schools represented will continue to participate in the scheme and that your success will encourage others to become involved."
The European Environmental Awards Scheme extends across Europe and provides opportunities to work with one another and to exchange information. It is a long term programme and schools have to reapply for the award each year.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The awards were handed over at Ballymena Town Hall at 10.30 am Friday 23 June.
- The European Environmental Awards scheme is administered by Tidy Northern Ireland. Further information may be obtained from its office at St Anne's Buildings, 35-37 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD Tel 028 9032 8105
- Renewal of Eco Schools Award
- All Saints Primary School
- Braid Primary School
- Braidside integrated Primary School
- Dunclug Primary School
- Lisnamurrican Primary School
- Broughshane Pre School Playgroup
- Moorfields
First Time Recipients of the Award
- Ballee Primary School
- Ballymena Academy Nursery
- Loughan School
- St. Louis Primary School
- The Diamond Primary School
For further media information please contact Philip Maguire, DOE Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0013.