At Oakdale Primary School, we recognise the urgent need to protect our environment, especially from the rising threat of plastic pollution. As a school committed to shaping responsible citizens, we empower our students with the knowledge, skills and passion to make a positive impact. Our focus on environmental sustainability has driven us to launch and participate in several initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action against plastic waste.
Art Exhibition 2024: Plastic vs. Planet
In 2024, our school hosted an innovative art exhibition titled Plastic vs. Planet at Coeur de Ville Mall in Flacq. This event served as a platform for students to express their concerns about plastic pollution creatively. Working alongside their parents, students produced a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces, that illustrated both the beauty of nature and the damage caused by plastic waste.
Some pieces focused on the dangers plastic poses to marine life, while others celebrated the importance of preserving our environment. Live performances added another dynamic layer to the event, drawing in the public and sparking important conversations about sustainability. Through this project, students learned that art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring change.
Mission Verte Partnership: Educating for Sustainability
Beyond artistic efforts, our school has collaborated with Mission Verte, a non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental education. Together, we have raised awareness about microplastics and responsible recycling. Mission Verte’s interactive workshops taught students about the harmful effects of plastic particles, which are often invisible to the eye, on marine ecosystems and wildlife.
These educational sessions have been invaluable in integrating sustainability into our curriculum. They also encouraged students to reflect on their consumption habits and to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. The partnership continues to inspire our school community to become informed, proactive environmental stewards.
Beach Clean-Up and Tree Planting
One of the most hands-on and impactful initiatives was a beach clean-up at Belle Mare Public Beach, organised in collaboration with The Residence Hotel and the National Coast Guard. Equipped with gloves and bags, our students collected litter scattered across the beach, witnessing firsthand the consequences of plastic waste on our coastline.
The activity also included a symbolic tree planting at The Residence Hotel. This act not only marked the students’ commitment to the environment but also served as a reminder of how even small actions can contribute to climate restoration. The event helped students connect more deeply with nature and emphasised the importance of protecting our natural spaces for future generations.
State House Show: The Price of Progress
Oakdale Primary was honoured to perform at the State House, presenting a thought-provoking piece titled The Price of Progress. Using music and drama, our students portrayed the environmental cost of unchecked development, particularly the growing menace of plastic pollution.
The performance formed part of a broader awareness campaign and allowed our students to engage directly with the President as our first point of contact, underscoring the urgency and significance of our environmental mission. Their presentation demonstrated not only their understanding of environmental issues but also their ability to advocate for meaningful change. It was a proud moment for the Oakdale community, highlighting the growing voice of youth in the global fight for sustainability.
Looking Ahead
At Oakdale Primary School, we view our environmental mission as an ongoing journey. We plan to continue partnering with the leaders of our country, local businesses, community groups and environmental organisations to broaden our reach and deepen our impact.
The fight against plastic pollution is far from over. However, through art, education, clean-up activities and powerful performances, our students have shown that they are ready and willing to lead the charge. With creativity, commitment and collaboration, we believe that a plastic-free future is possible.
We are proud of the work we have done so far, but at Oakdale, we are just getting started.
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