Planting a Bright Future
YOUNGSTERS involved in an award-winning scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour in Middlesbrough have dug in to celebrate.
Pupils from Thorntree and Lingfield Schools in the town have planted a tree at their respective schools in recognition of Erimus Housing’s Peer Kids project.
Erimus was awarded the sapling oaks from Business in the Community when it won a prestigious Big Tick award for its Peer Kids project (originally Community Kids), followed by reaccreditation two years running.
Now the company has decided to donate the trees to two schools involved in Peer Kids as part of its commitment to social investment and environmental issues, as well as a reminder of the scheme for the pupils.
Mike Carr, Chair of the Board for Erimus Housing, said: “The Peer Kids project has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to offer these trees to youngsters at the schools who have benefited from the scheme.
“These youngsters are the residents of the future and we hope they will nurture the trees and grow as responsible members of the community with them.”
The scheme, which puts citizenship in the spotlight for year six primary school pupils across Middlesbrough, uses methods such as role play, poetry, games and art to educate them about a range of youth crime and anti-social behaviour related issues.
The project aims to help them contribute positively to their communities, both now and in the future, making them proud of their neighbourhoods and homes.
Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence aim to identify, celebrate and communicate the positive impact of business on society.
Chris Artley, Head teacher atLingfield School, said: "Peer Kids has many benefits for our children.
It helps them understand the world they live in and their important role in making decisions about their own life.
"The sapling oak will enable the children to look after it and see it grow to make our school environment even better.”
