THREE hundred schoolchildren across Pembrokeshire are learning about climate change and how to care for the planet as part of an eco-project funded by Virgin Media O2.

This week, Golden Grove School in Pembroke and Saundersfoot Community Primary School in Saundersfoot, are taking part in the ‘We Are Energy Warriors’ project – which is being run by energy community charity, Awel Aman Tawe.

‘We Are Energy Warriors’ workshops are being held to mark ‘Great Big Green Week’ (18-26 September) which is spearheaded by The Climate Coalition to highlight action being taken to respond to the climate crisis, and the steps people can take to reduce their impact on the planet.

As part of the initiative, pupils aged 8 to 11 will run campaigns which highlight climate change and raise awareness of energy reduction and consumption in their school.

Students will be encouraged to help their communities take positive action to live more sustainably, too.

Following an application process, Awel Aman Tawe - which is based in Cwmllynfell, near Swansea - received a grant from the Virgin Media O2 Together Fund.

It is providing funding for environmental projects UK wide which encourage young people and communities to get involved in conversations and positive action on climate change.

Jennifer James from Awel Aman Tawe said: “It is fantastic that Awel Aman Tawe’s project ‘We are Energy Warriors’ has been recognised by the Climate Coalition and Virgin Media O2.

“As a community energy charity, AAT believes that education is a key enabler to empower young people to take action on climate change in their communities. Our project enables pupils to act on energy use by using real data.

“From being energy analysts, detectives and communicators, pupils will learn, think and develop the skills needed to take action on reducing energy use in their school and community.

“As a result of this grant, we are thrilled to be able to offer pupils the chance to explore creative campaigning through working with artists, poets, rappers, designers and film makers.

We are really pleased to be able to engage with a range of creative practitioners across Wales, to work in both the English and Welsh language, to inspire pupils in the development as Energy Warriors. Pupils will learn how art can help us understand complex issues.

They will use these experiences to make their own creative campaign.”

Tracey Herald, head of corporate responsibility and sustainability at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re proud to support and fund Awel Aman Tawe’s event for Great Big Green Week which is investing in and supporting young climate leaders to bring forward their ideas and solutions to the threats posed by climate change.

“We know that young people are increasingly worried about the impacts of our changing climate, and we want to give them a platform and a voice to campaign on the issue and inspire others in their communities to take action, too.”