Pupils pocket peace prizes

TWO pupils have scooped prestigious international awards after their school spread the message of peace and goodwill across the borough.

Youngsters at St Paul’s Primary School, Royton, have been passing on the wisdom of “May Peace Prevail on Earth”.

It is one of the first schools in England to pursue the Peace Education Programme written by Glenda Thornton, associated with the World Peace Prayer Society, and has been active in the promotion of peace flag ceremonies throughout Oldham.

As part of the work to spread the message of international peace and community cohesion, three classes — Year One, Two and Five — took part in the 12th annual Peace Pals International Art Exhibition and Awards.

They were asked to design and create a piece of artwork which celebrated and illustrated the message “peace in my community”.

Judges received 4,000 entries from 33 countries, and two talented pupils emerged triumphant, with Amelia Hall (10) awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ and classmate Mia Newman (10) granted the ‘Ambassador for Peace for England’ award.

The duo’s achievements were celebrated in an assembly, where they received certificates for their artwork.

Jane Jefferson, who co-ordinated the project and delivers the Peace Education Programme in the school, said: “We are very proud of our pupils’ achievement.

“We at St Paul’s are dedicated to the vision of community cohesion and international peace.

“Our links with the World Peace Prayer Society is helping us as a school to move forward in our work towards a happier, more contented and peaceful society.

“The message is that peace begins within us all and this philosophy was expressed beautifully by our pupils through the art competition. We are so proud that their efforts and attitudes have been internationally recognised.”