St. Catherine’s Students Sashay to Sustainability Success

A dedicated group of young environmentalists from St. Catherine’s College are celebrating the massive success of their latest project, ‘Wear Your Values.’ The initiative, which culminated in a high-energy ‘Sustainable Showdown’ fashion show, highlights the school's commitment to global citizenship and its ongoing journey toward the prestigious UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.

The project was a collaborative effort between the Eco Club, the Rights Respecting Steering Group, and the School Council. Group members worked alongside student representatives from across all departments to ensure the project championed both environmental protection and the rights of the child.

Entered into the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards, the project addressed the textile industry's impact—responsible for 10% of global emissions—while promoting Article 12 (the right to be heard) and Article 24 (the right to a clean environment). The ‘Sustainable Showdown’ featured over 50 models wearing exclusively second-hand or upcycled outfits, proving that student-led advocacy can successfully shift the culture of an entire school of over 1100 pupils.

The event also had a strong social purpose, raising vital funds for Women’s Aid. The School Council played a key role in ensuring the event was inclusive and reflected the views of the entire student body, proving that, at St. Catherine’s, pupil voice is at the heart of every decision.

A representative from the Rights Respecting Team commented: "Achieving our Bronze and Silver awards was just the beginning. Projects like 'Wear Your Values' demonstrate that our students are not just learning about rights; they are living them. By campaigning for the planet and supporting Women’s Aid, our students are proving they are ready to meet the Gold standard of global citizenship."

Eco-Club member Raya added: “We wanted to prove that sustainability is stylish and that we, as students, have the power to change mindsets. Working with the School Council and the Rights Respecting team made this a truly school-wide movement. We aren't just following trends—we are wearing our values and standing up for our future.”

The group is now preparing for the final stages of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards, bolstered by the strong spirit of collaboration that defines St. Catherine’s College.