Everyone has been collecting good quality unneeded textiles such as clothing, sheets, shoes, handbags, and curtains. The materials are sent into school as part of an annual recycling initiative run in conjunction with Cookstown Textile Recyclers and the benefits for the whole community are very striking.

The children have really enjoyed learning about recycling in a practical way. They understand the process whereby the textiles are collected and transported to a processing factory. The items are then sorted manually and all of the materials are re-used - low grade materials end up as industrial cleaning cloths or as upholstery filling and good quality clothes and textiles are used and worn by people in the developing world. Pupils now realise some of the long term benefits of recycling such as a reduction in the need for landfill, the reduction of pressure on natural resources, the increase of exports and reduction of imports, a reduction in pollution whilst helping local charities at the same time. The children have been educating their parents and wider family at home and the interest and support generated has been astounding.

Kristy Robinson, governor at the school emphasises the importance of this initiative.

"If we want a clean and healthy environment for our children and grandchildren to grow up in, we must make recycling our top priority. The children have really been enthusiastic in this task and have learned so much on the way," Kristy said.

Vanessa Wilson, principal of Rathenraw, added: "This is a fantastic project helping children to develop their enquiry skills and communication skills in the classroom whilst stimulating debate on the importance of protecting and preserving the environment we live in. By educating our children about the need to reduce, re-use and recycle we will ensure that the next generation will be environmentally aware.

"Our pupils are now eco-friendly rangers and are little 'boffins' when it comes to developing an awareness of the vital need to preserve natural resources in the world around us. I am very proud of the support and hard work of my pupils, their parents, the staff and governors of the school in this venture."

For further information about Rathenraw Integrated Primary School and its warm, friendly, caring ethos please contact the principal on 9446 3979.