SCHOOLCHILDREN in West Devon were able to ditch their school uniforms for one day last week to help raise money to change the lives of children all over the world.
The UNICEF day for change, national non-uniform day took place last Friday (February 1). Teachers at Mary Tavy and Brentor primary school got involved too, and came to school dressed in their old school uniforms.
'We are holding a non-uniform day for the children, staff are going to do the exact opposite, they will be wearing uniform,' said head teacher Nicki James.
By donating small change to wear what they liked for a day, pupils were helping UNICEF make a long lasting change for children across the world.
As part of the UNICEF day for change students had the opportunity to learn about the lives of the children in the countries they were supporting. Free education packs crammed full with curriculum-based lessons and activities were given to participating schools, containing maps, case studies and assembly ideas about children's live in Brazil and Bangladesh.
'We are going to link what UNICEF does with assemblies, letting the children learn more about the good work UNICEF does,' said Mrs James.
Among the other West Devon schools taking part in the day were Mount House School in Tavistock and Bridestowe and Exbourne primary schools.
Funds raised this year will go to UNICEF's education programme in Brazil and Bangladesh where poverty forces children to work or live alone on the streets. This is the 14th national non-uniform day, last year's event raised over £300,000 for children growing up alone in Uganda and Romania.