SCHOOLCHILDREN were left inspired with a message of unity and world peace.

More than 50 Year 6 pupils at Haydonleigh Primary School shared their ideas for helping to end conflict and promote peace.

Children at the North Swindon school said they had been “inspired” by the workshop, organised as part of the 200-year anniversary of Baha’i faith founder Baha’u’llah’s birth.

Fidelma Meehan, who set up the Wednesday workshop as part of a “One People, One Planet” project, said: “Children are naturally global citizens and I have been so impressed with their awareness of world issues and their ideas on how to solve these issues.”

Two classes from the school listened to stories of a family who learn that it’s better to stick together and made up lyrics over some hip-hop jams by Gorse Hill beatboxer Marvin Joe.

Sarah Kirk, a Year 6 teacher, said that the message of the workshop reflected the school’s motto of “I am talented - together we are amazing”.

Fellow Year 6 teacher Lorraine Codling added: “The behaviour of the children was just impeccable. For the best part of an hour they were rapt.”

Asked to come up with different ways to encourage unity, the children came up with 30 – ranging from a poster to put up around the school to a giant sign that could be attached to an aeroplane and flown through the skies about North Swindon.

“You could really tell they’d thought carefully about the importance of the ideas,” said teacher Sarah.

Pupil Ryan, 10, said: “I think it was inspiring. Everyone should to what people have to say about changing the world.”

Children at the school will contribute an item that will be added to a time capsule and buried at a special celebration for the Baha’u’llah bicentenary next month.

Schools interested in the One People, One Planet workshops, should email Fidelma on fidelma@cchange-empowerment.co.uk or call 07970 868364.