Corina Ionescu, an educator at Bucharest's Inclusive Education School Center No. 1, embarked on the Climate Action in Education course, which inspired her and her colleagues to launch a series of eco-conscious initiatives within their school, addressing critical ecology and climate change topics.
‘At first, there were activities at the class level, activities on ecological themes of information, awareness, or therapeutic activities: messages on sheets of paper made from recycled paper, objects from natural or recycled materials such as wreaths from natural felt, dolls made of natural wool, homemade slippers made of felt, or candles from beeswax. Ecological activity in the schoolyard (raking, sweeping, whitewashing tree trunks, planting flowers) also took place. Everything was completed with a Spring Fair, where the products were exhibited.’
It had a significant impact and helped Corina and her colleagues achieve the results of the Erasmus project and prepare two optional courses on environmental education, which will be taught next school year to two classes.
‘The purpose of the optional programme ‘Protecting nature, protecting the future’ is to increase the level of information and awareness regarding the issue of the consequences of pollution on the environment and to promote ecological solutions. The optional curriculum is based on the Sustainable Development Goals against the degradation of the planet through sustainable consumption and production, the sustainable management of its natural resources and the adoption of urgent measures regarding climate change so that it can meet the needs of current and future generations, by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The contents value creativity, imagination, team spirit, and competition, allowing students to assume roles and responsibilities in the community and offer viable solutions for maintaining an optimal living environment.
I suggest other teachers get involved in such activities to do smaller or more significant projects because the students like to participate, are motivated, are involved, and are part of nature. I wish success to all who will carry out projects related to the environment, climate change, and ecology, and the British Council is a source of resources.’