I deeply believe in power of education. I guess it has to do with a fact being a teacher by education.
I met a friend today and she was proud the school she teaches was awarded a title „Eco-school“. It is not so easy to achieve it as you have to meet seven criteria and pass a final audit.
Currently there have been nine million students (primary and secondary schools) in fifty countries taking part in the programme.
What it is about?
„Eco-Schools is an international programme for environmental education and management, which aims to raise students' awareness of sustainable development issues through classroom study as well as school and community action.“
Source and more on: http://www.eco-schools.org/
There are three main areas students focus on - water, waste, energy however they can choose also other themes.
Why should a school go for it?
„Eco-Schools is a democratic and participatory programme that provides an excellent opportunity for pupils to experience active citizenship in school and take decisions to improve both their school and home environments. It strives to increase environmental awareness of pupils, staff and communities and to improve school environments through this. Actions taken during the programme can also lead to financial savings for the school regarding energy and water consumption costs. Eco-School strives for the involvement of local stakeholders, resulting in a more integrated community. The schools are given the opportunity to create links with other schools, nationally and internationally, giving them the chance to share environmental education ideas and creating a means for cultural exchange and language improvement.“
Source and more: http://www.fee-international.org/en/Menu/Programmes/Eco-Schools
Having talked to my friend today, seeing her enthusiasm I could feel the changes she experienced through this programme. Pupils and students have become involved, relationships between peers, students – teachers and school – parents have changed and got better and stronger. I guess it happens when you do something meaningful, something for your future.
Title picture: http://www.fee-international.org
I think this kind of action can really make a difference. We all know how things learned in childhood and youth affect our behaviors. And it is great this initiative is already widespread. Glad to learn about it
Great! Simply amazing!!!
Last year I was in Hungary and is there where I firstly came in contact with these schools…. and talking to some professors, it seemed to me a great idea!!! Would love to visit them though…
We have this in civics at elementary school. I hope it spreads.
It will spread in the near future!I am sure!
In Ireland, we have ‘green schools’. Pupils and teachers work to meet environmental targets like recycling most of their waste, cycling to school instead of driving, reducing waste etc. When they meet their targets, they get a green flag and a certificate. Every year, they are re-assessed so that standards don’t slip. It’s a fantastic program.