The Roots and Shoots education programme is a powerful, youth driven network operating in almost a hundred countries, connecting tens of thousands of young people who all share a common desire to help make our world a better place. The charitable organisation Roots and Shoots, guided by the founding principles and extraordinary vision of Dr Jane Goodall – renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian, fosters a fun, flexible and supportive environment. Young people are enabled to come together to share ideas, inspire others, implement successful community service projects and participate in significant events and international campaigns.
The annual awards are a celebration of the achievements of the Roots & Shoots groups who’ve campaigned, researched, raised money, made positive changes, raised awareness and worked as teams and individuals to help people, animals and the environment.
As an official member of the Roots and Shoots programme, thirty-two pupils accompanied by four members of staff from St Christopher’s attended the award ceremony for the sixth year running, held this year at The Barbican Centre. Students modelled the looks they had designed and made from only recycled/re-used materials and components, all of which were inspired by the issues derived from unrecyclable waste and the damage of our environment, in our infamous ‘Trashion Show’. Each outfit was individually judged by Duke Ingram – an activist, songwriter and former model and Livia Firth – (wife of Hollywood actor, Colin Firth) co-founder and Creative Director of Eco-Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge.
Congratulations to Christina Hemingway (Yr 9), who was awarded first prize, for her monochrome two piece. She created a skirt made from woven bin bags and high neck top made from ring pulls taken from recycled cans. Further congratulations to Amelia Litherland (Yr 10) who claimed second prize for her formal dress and accessories made from chocolate wrappers, inspired by the upcycling of plastic and the issue of Fairtrade. A final congratulations goes to Olivia Shearon (L6), who came in third place, with her oversized jacket made only from recycled plastic.
Further congratulations go to Amelia Litherland (Yr 10), who won the prestigious 'Most Outstanding Individual' award, given to the individual deemed by Roots & Shoots to be making the most profound contribution to the goals of the organisation. As part of her prize, Amelia will have the opportunity to spend a day with Dr Jane Goodall herself, which will be amazing!
Not only did we get to participate in the prestigious awards show, we had the opportunity to explore life in London. We visited Westminster, where we joined a Brexit protest and promoted our opinions on the forthcoming nuclear station in Preston, before dining at Leon’s Restaurant in China Town on Shaftesbury Avenue. The night was topped off by not only visiting the infamous M&M World but also the West End to watch the renowned theatrical performance ‘Aladdin’.
To read a report of the event from Livia Firth's Eco-Age website, please click here.
Report by Leah Hodges (Yr 13)
All photographs courtesy of Roger Marks Photography
www.rogermarksphotography.com