CHILDREN from three primary schools last Saturday participated in the ECHO (Environmental Community Health Organisation) sponsored mural painting and palm tree planting exercise geared towards enhancing the environment.

The exercise took place at Mandela Avenue where the mural,depicting the aim of the ECHO Club to create awareness, was painted by schoolchildren on the fence of the Botanical Gardens.Several palm trees were also painted at the location.

The three primary schools that participated in the exercise are Smith’s Memorial, South Ruimveldt and Enterprise.

ECHO Director of the Schools Programme, Samuel King told this newspaper that in most primary schools in the city they have established ECHO clubs where schoolchildren are educated on the importance of a clean environment.

GREEN AMBASSADORS
He added that the ECHO Club also has ‘Green Ambassadors’ in several secondary schools as well, where their objective is to instill environmental good practices in children so they can become environmental stewards.

King told this publication that the children came up with their own concept with some guidance by their teachers and others, but the mural was their initiative.

He disclosed that last year schoolchildren painted a similar mural on the seawall and next week they will involve some other schoolchildren who are expected to do a similar exercise in the National Park.

King noted that ECHO has since had walks, tours and camps to enlighten schoolchildren on their role to keep the environment garbage-free.

He told this newspaper that they are headquartered at Lot 185 Charlotte and King Streets, Georgetown in the Maraj Building, and they have successfully managed to establish 50 ECHO clubs in primary schools in the city.

King stated that he is very grateful for the kind donations and equipment they have received firstly from President David Granger, who has endorsed the project and from several sponsors, a gesture which made the recent activity a success.

He pointed out that they saw the need for environmental education in schools, and it is a good project to enhance the creativity in children.

King urged more parents to get onboard with the project since the children needs some motivation.

Teacher Beverly De John said she is attached to Smith’s Memorial Primary School, and their club has more than 40 pupils.

She disclosed that they have since planted four palm trees along the avenue on Hadfield Street, which is in front of the school building and the children of that ECHO club are tasked with watering the plants twice daily.

De John explained that the project is very useful, noting its importance to have children become aware of the environment and so sanitation officers have been assigned to ensure there is no littering in school.

The children were decked out in their green tee-shirts, badges, caps and bands, all compliments of Town Clerk Royston King.

Student Chrishawn Britton said he was very pleased to be a part of the activity and it has helped him to be more aware of keeping his surroundings clean and the group project was a very good experience.

Joyann Sampson another pupil yesterday said the event was fun and she looks forward to more such projects.