Pupils propose reusable vaccine vials to cut waste

Tuesday 25 January 2022

Two Jersey students have been crowned national champions for their "world changing" idea of a reusable vaccine vial.

Mark and Renzo, from Form VI at St. George's Preparatory School, beat off competition from primary schools across the British Isles to take the champion title in the final of the 'Lions Roar Competition'.

Organised by education company 8billion ideas and funded by the Lions Club, the principle of the competition was for primary school pupils to develop world changing ideas and pitch them to judges for consideration.

Prompted by climate-impacting plastic waste that has been generated by the pandemic, Mark and Renzo proposed reusing equipment for safe use in vaccinations.

The team recorded their winning pitch on video for entry in the online National Final, which they went on to win.

Pictured: ROAR winners Mark and Renzo with Deputy Headteacher Lindsey Fidrmuc, Headteacher Cormac Timothy, Melvin the Lion, and Lion President William Harris.

Headteacher Cormac Timothy said: "The entries to this competition were exceptional. I was incredibly proud of my pupils, who not only developed original ideas that could change the world but also had the confidence to present them to an audience, fine-tuning presentation skills they'll use forever."

He added: "I was heartened and encouraged to see how determined the children were to find solutions to real-world problems that affect us all. As always, they continue to both inspire me and fill me with great hope for the future."

Judge and Lion President William Harris said: "This was the first time the pupils at St George’s took part in ‘Lions Roar’ and they were extremely impressive.

"Every idea had the potential to change lives, and this is exactly why we support the competition. These children are the Lions of the future.

"When you encourage them to believe in their abilities and potential you really see them flourish. The Lions Club motto is ‘We Serve’ and I can’t think of a better way of doing that than encouraging the world changers of tomorrow."