In a groundbreaking achievement, IQRA Primary Academy emerged as the winners of the prestigious IVE Applied Creativity Labs competition, showcasing their ingenious solution to tackle the pressing issue of air pollution. The pioneering project, dubbed ‘Thinking Eco-Nomically,’ proposes a compelling social media information campaign that employs popular channels, engaging videos, and captivating stories to raise awareness about the health hazards associated with air pollution.

Collaborating with the renowned Born in Bradford (BiB) initiative and Bradford Council, the project saw over 150 enthusiastic children from various schools across the city dedicating their efforts to explore innovative ways of reducing air pollution on the occasion of Clean Air Day. The final phase of the competition witnessed a panel of industry experts meticulously evaluating the pupils’ ideas for their originality, applicability, and affordability.

Through the IVE Applied Creativity Labs, spanning several weeks, these young minds were equipped with the creative behaviours and critical thinking skills essential to tackle real-world challenges. The invaluable opportunity to interact with industry experts fueled their uninhibited creativity, resulting in an array of inspiring concepts aimed at combating air pollution.

Among the outstanding proposals put forth during the event were ‘The Extraordinary Pollution Defeaters,’ ‘Project Worm,’ ‘Motor Scoot,’ ‘The Carbon Trike,’ and captivating air pollution art installations. Each idea exhibited a unique approach, demonstrating the students’ deep understanding of the issue and their determination to make a positive impact.

However, it was the ‘Thinking Eco-Nomically’ campaign from IQRA Primary Academy that stood out from the competition, impressing the judges with its feasibility, comprehensive grasp of health statistics and impacts, and a promising vision for a better future. The campaign intends to reach a wider audience through social media platforms, harnessing their potential to disseminate crucial information and instigate behavioural change.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, expressed gratitude to all participating schools for their engagement in the creativity labs event and their compelling efforts to combat air pollution. She commended the children for their unwavering enthusiasm and applauded the bright future that awaits the District of Bradford, fostered by its immensely creative and innovative young minds.

Congratulations poured in for IQRA Primary Academy, hailed as the torchbearers of change in their remarkable victory. Their ‘Thinking Eco-Nomically’ campaign not only promises a practical implementation strategy but also demonstrates an astute understanding of health statistics and impacts, all while offering a glimpse into a future where environmental consciousness reigns supreme.

As the nation battles the escalating air pollution crisis, initiatives like the IVE Applied Creativity Labs serve as an inspiration, emphasising the power of youthful imagination and innovation to address critical global challenges. The triumph of IQRA Primary Academy serves as a testament to the transformative potential harboured by young visionaries, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier tomorrow.