Rapping robot gets ready to wow schoolchildren

Children at Stoke Holy Cross primary school in South Norfolk are getting ready for their first visit from the latest word in green technology – Cycler, the rapping robot.

Cycler – who is at Stoke Holy Cross Primary School tomorrow from 9am to 9.45am - is an all-singing all-dancing, rapping champion of recycling. It tours schools across the country promoting recycling to the next generation, and even has its own fan club.

The robot is proving a real crowd puller among the 5 to 11 year olds, thanks mainly to minder Carrie Grey who pulls the strings – or rather pushes the buttons.

Cycler belongs to Waste Watch,the leading UK environmental charity promoting sustainable resource use.

Carrie, who works for Waste Watch, said:

“The children love Cycler – it’s one of the best ways we have of reaching the next generation. They ask loads of questions, and they get intelligent answers.

“Cycler is also made from recovered waste materials with a tummy made from plastic bottles. Cycler doesn’t just rap recycling - Cycler is recycling!”

South Norfolk Council has worked closely with Norfolk County Council, the Schools Waste Action Club (SWAC) and Stoke Holy Cross Primary to organise the event on Wednesday.

David Osborne, South Norfolk Council’s head of Environmental Services said:

“If we are going to recycle more now and in the future, we need to change hearts and minds – and we need to start early. Cycler is a great example of how we are all working together to do that in creative and eye-catching ways.”

Jenny Craven, from SWAC said:

“SWAC aims to raise awareness of waste issues in schools and to help schools to implement waste recycling and reduction schemes. Staff and pupils from Stoke Holy Cross Primary have embraced SWAC and tackled their waste with great enthusiasm.”

Stoke Holy Cross school head Mick Webb said:

“We are delighted to welcome Cycler to the school in support of the Green Team’s hard work in highlighting waste issues. This has been helped by regular visits from Jenny Craven of SWAC and the enthusiasm of Kelly Stubbs and Jo Harper Brown, both teachers at the school.”

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