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UEL and Winsor Primary create green team for recycled mural project

Friday 29 February 2008

A group of University of East London (UEL) student volunteers used art to educate local youngsters about climate change in a creative workshop held at Winsor Primary School in Beckton on Thursday 28 February.

Over twenty UEL students spent the day with Year 4 classes at the school, creating a large mural using recycled materials from the surrounding area.

The event marked Student Volunteering Week (25 Feb – 3 Mar) and was organised by Junction49, a new website empowering young people to take action in their local community. UEL was one of fifteen universities chosen to launch Junction49 last year.

Joey Sawyer, UEL’s Junction49 Volunteer Support Worker, said: “Students at UEL are increasingly concerned about climate change and are keen to play their part in creating a sustainable community.

“This mural project was a great chance to spread the word, as well as to experience a hands-on community project and the satisfaction that comes with putting something back into the local area. It’s been a really exciting and colourful day!”

Before painting commenced, the UEL volunteers spent time talking to the children about climate change and how they can be more environmentally friendly. The completed mural will now go on display at UEL’s Docklands campus.

Nithra Subramaniam, Year 4 Class Teacher at Winsor Primary, said: “This project’s been a really good way for the pupils to learn about the environment and be creative. They’ve responded extremely well and had a lot of fun.”

The environmental message wasn’t lost on the 52 Winsor Primary pupils who took part in the project.

Eimear O’Kelly (9), of Barking, said: “We learnt that we can recycle and make beautiful things out of rubbish – you don’t always have to throw stuff away! It was good fun to work with the UEL students. I definitely want to go to university when I’m older!” 

Christian Alderson (9), of East Ham, added: “It’s been really good fun to paint and get messy. I learnt that art is fun – definitely better than work!”

To find out more about Junction49 and how you can make a difference in your community or the world, visit www.junction49.co.uk

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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