THE popular Picker Pals litter-picking initiative for primary schools is seeking 41 classrooms in Limerick to join, fully funded and at no cost to schools. Run by environmental NGO, VOICE Ireland, Picker Pals educates children about litter and equips them to get out and about leading fun litter-picking adventures with their families.
Every child receives two books about the Picker Pals characters who love litter-picking. The heart of the programme is the Picker Pack with the tools needed for an adult and child to go litter-picking. Each week, the pack goes home with a different child who leads a short litter-pick in their neighbourhood. They report on their action to their classmates, getting lots of positive feedback and taking the first steps to becoming young environmentalists.
Picker Pals will be running in over 1200 classrooms around the country this year. The organisers are looking for teachers and principals in Limerick interested in joining the movement. Picker Pals is free to selected participating schools thanks to philanthropic and corporate donations and support from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Last year, Picker Pals ran in Limerick at the St. Patrick’s National School, Bruree and was well received by the teachers, parents and children there. Teacher, Jean Hannon said “The children are very excited to be part of the scheme again this year and can’t wait for it to be up and running and thoroughly enjoyed the programme. Hopefully we will develop a lifelong love of looking after the environment and locality.” Children’s book author and creator of the Picker Pals programme, Patrick Jackson said “If we can influence children in Limerick at this key age, we have a chance of tackling the litter crisis”.
Principals and class teachers should express their interest in participating in Picker Pals through the Schools Interest Form here.
