Two classes from the Eiriz School Centre and the Campelo School Centre, in the municipality of Baião, were honoured in the 1st National ‘Raposa Chama’ Competition, promoted by AGIF – Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management, as part of the National ‘Portugal Chama’ Campaign.
Through their creativity, commitment and team spirit, the students demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting nature and preventing rural fires.
The competition asked the question ‘How can you protect a place you value from rural fires?’ The projects submitted took the form of original models and drawings, developed with the support of teachers from the Curricular Enrichment Activities (AEC) and regular teachers.
These works of art reflected the children’s views on the importance of preserving the environment and forests, as well as risky behaviours to avoid.
The class from the Eiriz School Centre won 1st Prize in the 1st Level, receiving €500, with a project that highlighted the emotional connection to the territory and how community involvement is essential in prevention.
The class from the Campelo School Centre won 3rd prize in the 2nd category, receiving €150, with a proposal that highlighted simple and effective strategies for protecting green areas close to communities.
These distinctions recognise the collaborative work of teachers, students and educational technicians, and are also a clear sign of the dedication of Baião’s schools to environmental education, civic responsibility and active participation in building a more sustainable future.
The Municipality of Baião congratulates everyone involved, emphasising the importance of raising awareness from the early years of schooling, as stated by the Vice-President and Councillor responsible for Civil Protection, Filipe Fonseca:
“It is essential that we involve our children in these issues from an early age. Educating young people about risk and raising their awareness of the importance of fire prevention and protecting our forests is a priority that must be shared by all. These initiatives are important steps towards ensuring a more conscious, responsible and safer future for everyone.”
In closing, the mayor congratulated everyone involved and highlighted the role of the students from the other school centre in our municipality who, despite having participated, were not distinguished, considering that they also had “merit and will certainly be recognised for their work and dedication in the future.”
DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE IS THE MOTTO OF THE “RAPOSA CHAMA” PROJECT
The “A Raposa Chama” project is an initiative of the “Portugal Chama” national campaign, which aims to educate children and young people aged between 5 and 12 about the risks of rural fires and the role they can play in preventing them.
Through educational activities, creative challenges, interactive characters and collaboration with schools and families, the project promotes a culture of safety and environmental responsibility. Its motto, “Don’t play with fire”, reinforces the urgency of acting early to protect our natural heritage.
