STUDENTS threw their energy into a passionate march against global child labour after taking part in theatre-in-education programme Surya’s Story.

Pupils from Poole’s St Aldhelm’s Academy embraced the theme of the programme, which was written by their drama teacher and playwright Sharon Muiruri Coyne

The play tells the story of a young Indian girl who supports her family by sewing pieces of leather to make footballs bound for the West.

It features an Asian cast, and is accompanied by workshops in bhangra dance, football, drumming, drama and art.

“I was very impressed by how the St Aldhelm’s pupils embraced the Asian elements of the play, learning the dance, drumming with such passion and staging their own very energetic march through school” said Sharon.

“Surya’s Story engages its audience through the popular theme of football, showing that while most young people enjoy playing football, few will ever think about where their footballs come from.

“There are an estimated 168 million children are in child labour around the world, often working in working in hazardous conditions with little pay, to produce the things we take for granted.

“The St Aldhelm’s pupils were obviously deeply moved by what they learned about the inequalities brought about by globalisation and I hope this knowledge will lead to them becoming more ethically responsible as consumers.”

Surya’s Story is touring local schools supported by Arts Education Agency, Sound Storm Music Education Agency and Bournemouth Council and has also been performed at St Aldhelm’s fellow Ambitions Academies Trust school, Tregonwell Academy in Bournemouth.