Let’s release pigeons

What started as an attraction at weddings a few years ago, releasing helium-filled balloons has by now become a frequent component of elementary school graduations.

Participants who claim to care about the environment tend to feel uncomfortable in such situations but not wanting to be killjoys stops them from speaking up as this seems like a general trend.

Fortunately, there is an absolutely win-win solution to this problem.

The following article was published in the 500th newsletter of the Network of Ecoschools:

Let’s celebrate with pigeons at school events

Promoting sustainability and environmental awareness at festive occasions

Every institution has important events which help enhance the community by offering an unforgettable and rewarding experience to participants.

There is a choice of visual attractions you can use at school opening and closing ceremonies, graduations in order to demonstrate strong dedication to the protection of the environment.

Instead of harmful plastic decorations, you should highlight the celebration with homing pigeons as the release of these birds is an exhilarating experience for all.

Historically, pigeons/doves have always been the symbols of peace and love, values which especially need to be promoted these days.

Apart from the visual effect, interactions with pigeons allow children and youngsters to understand the harmony between and the interconnectedness of man and nature. The flight of pigeons has always been the symbol of peace, which may also symbolise the curiosity, openness and “start” of young people.

The Hungarian Homing Pigeon Sport Association has occasionally visited schools and other educational institutions releasing homing pigeons at celebrations to make these events more spectacular and solemn.

This inexpensive service is available to all schools in Hungary. Every county has well-functioning homing pigeon breeder associations, which are happy to share the values and rewards of their activities with young people.