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

Courageous Advocacy – Owl Class Take Action

As part of Aston Rowant’s school-wide Courageous Advocacy project, Owl Class were set the challenge of identifying and responding to a global issue that mattered to them. The children were presented with a range of meaningful projects, including supporting a campaign to provide Wi-Fi access for schools in rural Africa, and protecting olive crops to sustain the livelihoods of indigenous families. There was one issue that immediately captured the hearts and minds of the class-the plight of children in Gaza.

Through careful research using reputable sources, the children discovered that at that time, 90% of schools in Gaza had been severely damaged, with 40% completely destroyed. The pupils were deeply affected by this and quickly recognised that such circumstances represent a clear breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Drawing on their prior learning and our school corridor displays, they confidently identified and referred to the specific articles being violated-particularly the right to education.

Inspired and empowered, the children took action. They wrote thoughtfully considered letters to our local MP, Freddie van Mierlo, inviting him to visit the school, listen to their concerns, and support a petition calling on the UK Government to demonstrate how it is helping children in Gaza who are being denied access to education.

Mr van Mierlo not only accepted the invitation to visit Aston Rowant last summer. He was so impressed with how the children spoke about their project and the UN Rights of a Child, he extended a further opportunity; inviting the children to the House of Commons to present their petition in person. We visit the week after next on Tuesday 16th June.

We are incredibly proud of Owl Class. This experience has exemplified the power of pupil voice, showing that when children are informed, passionate, and courageous, they can engage meaningfully with the wider world. Their determination, empathy, and advocacy truly reflect the values of Aston Rowant, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to use their voices to make a difference.

 

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.