Children in Hackney are keen to have their voices heard on climate change Pic: Hackney Climate Kids

Primary school children in Hackney are to hold an after-school rally on May 24 in support of the climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

The initiative was started by a Gayhurst Community School pupil and has spread to other schools in the borough, including Hackney Wick and Stoke Newington.

ELL spoke to Jessica, mother of the five-year-old pupil that initiated the after-school rally. She said: “Younger kids seem desperate to show how much they care for the environment and our world, but some protests are too far away or a bit loud and hectic.”

Jessica continued: “Primary schoolers are too young to properly strike from school. This event will let them raise their voices, be heard, and know that they are not the only kids in their community who care about action on climate change.”

“If the children find a new friend or feel strong about their ability to change the world, the rally will be a success. If politicians and decision-makers can see how many kids care, that’s even better.”

Discussing the future of Hackney Climate Kids, Jessica said: “We’ll be guided by the kids to see what happens next!”

Teenager Thunberg began school striking for climate change last August outside the Swedish Parliament building. She rapidly became a global phenomenon and has inspired school children around the world to make a difference. On March 15, over 1.4 million high school pupils participated in a world-wide protest reaching over 300 cities.

Mayor of Hackney, Phillip Glanville, declared climate emergency on February 27. He said: “We are without doubt in a climate emergency, and I declare that tonight as Mayor. I very much look forward to continue taking action and bringing forward a motion that endorses that future before the council.”

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