Press Release: London schools to champion coral reefs
Added to website: 24 April 2007
Pictured with students from the John Kelly Boys’ Technology College (from left to right): Isabel Thompson (Teacher, John Kelly Boys’ Technology College); Geoff Russell-Jones (Awards Officer, Jack Petchy Foundation); Simon Draper (Development Consultant, Coral Cay Conservation) and Alexander Young (Principal, John Kelly Boys’ Technology College)
Three lucky students from London will be given the opportunity to help protect coral reefs in the Caribbean this summer as a result of £8000 donated from The Jack Petchey Foundation.
The students will embark on a 4-week expedition to Tobago with Coral Cay Conservation (CCC), an award-winning not-for-profit organisation that uses teams of international volunteers to survey some of the world’s most endangered coral reefs and tropical forests.
The Jack Petchey Foundation provides funding to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25 in London and Essex. The grant will enable CCC to take three young people (ages 16 to 17) on an expedition where they will play a crucial role in the conservation of threatened coral reefs through the collection of scientific data.
Students from schools within the London Borough, targeted by The Jack Petchey Foundation, have been offered this unique opportunity. They will be selected following an expedition-training weekend to be held at the Broadstone Warren Scout Campsite in May. The weekend will be packed full of activities and challenges including raft building, first aid, orienteering and try SCUBA dives. The students will be assessed on their potential and ability to take part on a CCC expedition.
A cheque presentation from the Jack Petchey Foundation to Coral Cay Conservation was held at John Kelly Boys’ Technology College, one of the many schools taking part in this project, in Brent on Tuesday 24th April.
Alexander Young, Principal of John Kelly Boys’ Technology College commented: “For all students to be offered the opportunity to engage with the natural environment and its conservation in such an exciting way, is something I would have given anything for when I was at school”.
Geoff Russell-Jones, Awards Officer for The Jack Petchey Foundation said “Jack Petchey started the Foundation to help young people take advantage of opportunities. We are keen to support this project which offers young people a range of activities and a wonderful opportunity to expand their horizons.”
Pete Raines, CCC’s Founder and CEO commented: “We are extremely grateful to The Jack Petchey Foundation for providing the funding for this unique opportunity. Three lucky pupils from London are about to embark on a life-changing experience and help protect some of the worlds most endangered coral reefs.”
For further information about this news, please contact Laura Timms (PR and Communications Manager) via e-mail: lt@coralcay.org or call: +44 (0) 20 7620 1411.
