As part of the Sustainability Fortnight in the Junior School, each class has been focusing on one of the Sustainability Goals set by the United Nations. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Goal 16) was the focus for some pupils in Primary 6, who have embraced their class goal. 

The class chose to support the Aberdeen Cyrenians, a local charity which sets out to support the most vulnerable people in Aberdeen, Scotland and other countries facing crisis, trauma, addiction, homelessness and isolation. Ahead of their fundraising, the pupils had a virtual meet with the charity to hear more about what the charity does, ask questions and let the charity know about their plans.

As part of their weekly homework, pupils were tasked with completing household chores and negotiating a fee to be added to a class fundraising pot. After a week of helping around the house, feeding pets and reading stories to younger siblings, pupils raised over £650. 

The class decided to use the funds raised to buy tickets for entertainment venues around the city for the charity to donate to those most in need. They received a kind donation from John Clark Motor for a VIP box for 16 people at Disney on Ice and in addition the pupils used £275 of the money to buy 50 open tickets for The Belmont Filmhouse and used £100 to buy 25 vouchers for use at Albury Outdoor Sports Centre with a generous addition of ten extra vouchers by the centre. 

The class were keen to use £275 of the money to buy vouchers for Codonas where the amusement park matched the class’s purchase in return for £560 worth of vouchers. As a thank you for their hard work, Codonas have gifted a bowling session for the pupils to enjoy. 

When asked what the class goal meant to him, Lucas shared, “I think Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions was a very good goal because helping each other create peace and people need peace or their life may be chaos” and Saif added, “I think we need peace so we can all be happy together. If there is no peace, our community may fall apart.”

Isla reflected: “It is amazing to look back at the past couple of weeks and realise how many happy smiles we have made. It has been a lot of fun and very interesting to learn about our environment!” 

Mrs Reid, Teacher of P6 commended the pupils: "With energetic enthusiasm, perpetual perseverance and notable negotiating skills the children excelled in making an enormous difference to many people. The knowledge and understanding they gained about the Aberdeen Cyrenians was fabulous. They appreciate that their hard work has a direct positive impact on the lives of others and I am sure they will remember this experience for the rest of their lives."

Scott McDougall from the Aberdeen Cyrenians said: “The children are a true inspiration to everyone at Aberdeen Cyrenians. 

“The impact of their thoughtfulness will bring smiles and help create happy moments for many individuals and families in our city. The pupils have shown what it takes to be a strong institution helping to bring peace and justice to those in need... a true inspiration for us all."