Pupils call on Hartlepool MP Iain Wright to back campaign

Eldon Grove Academy is supporting the Send My Friend to School campaign which calls on UK pupils to speak out for millions of children who are missing out on school due to conflicts, natural disaster and other emergencies.

A group of Year 4 youngsters from Eldon Academy invited Mr Wright to a presentation about the cause and appealed to him to back the campaign by writing to Prime Minister David Cameron.

Rachael Francis, Year 4 teacher and wellbeing leader at the school, explained: “We do a lot of work in school about children’s rights and around children and war.

“The Send My Friend to School campaign is one project the Year 4 children have been taking part in.

“They were quite upset that some children weren’t getting the same opportunities they are.”
The children made a presentation to Mr Wright, performed a specially-written song, asked him questions and asked him to spread the word about the campaign in Parliament and directly with David Cameron.

The Send My Friend to School campaign is run by the UK coalition of the Global Campaign for Education.

It is calling on the UK government to step up its efforts to help children affected by war, natural disaster and emergencies and get them the education that is their right.

Only 1.4% of UN humanitarian funding is spent on education.

Eldon Grove Academy is also applying for the Unicef Rights Respecting Schools Award.

Ms Francis added: “Iain Wright was really impressed and commended the children for their very professional presentation.

“He reassured them he would take the message back and write to David Cameron and send us a copy of the letter.

“He said he was pleased they were thinking about children less fortunate than themselves.”