4. Owl Class - Global Project: The Olive Tree Project (Palestine) UKS2

Standing with global neighbours in times of conflict

Owl Class learned about The Olive Tree Project, which helps Palestinian farmers whose trees have been destroyed in conflict. Planting saplings protects land rights, livelihoods and food security.

What They Did

• Researched the project and its impact
• Wrote to their MP, Freddie van Mierlo
• Contacted the Bucks Herald to raise awareness
• Designed a fundraising and awareness campaign
• Created information posters and presentations

Why This Matters

Owl Class’ project shows extraordinary maturity, empathy and spiritual depth. They chose to advocate for families affected by conflict - people they have never met - because they recognised injustice and felt compelled to act.

Writing to their MP, researching land rights, and contacting the press reflects authentic leadership, community engagement, and spiritual courage. They saw that their voices carry weight and that even children can influence awareness, compassion and change.

Freddy van Merlio, Local MP July 25:

“I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Owl Class at Aston Rowant CofE Primary today. The children shared their inspiring Courageous Advocacy project, which seeks assurance that Articles 19, 28, and 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are upheld in Palestine. I was deeply moved by how eloquently and passionately they spoke about their campaign, expressing their values of gratitude, resilience, outreach, wonder, trust, and harmony - not merely as words, but as principles they live by with genuine intention and purpose. It was a real privilege to meet such thoughtful and engaged young people, who are a true credit to Mr. Manning, the school, and their families.”

This project encapsulates:

• Global citizenship
• Standing with the oppressed
• Understanding human rights
• Living out our Christian vision of harmony and outreach

It is courageous advocacy at its most profound.