Eco-schools retreat on Praslin |24 May 2017
The Environmental Education Unit within the Department of Education recently organised a retreat for all teachers who are Eco-Schools leaders from all state schools. The retreat took place on Praslin from April 26-29, 2017 and was part of the annual in-service workshops organised by the Department of Education for all its teachers. The following is a write-up from the Environmental Education Unit about their amazing experience.
During the Eco-Schools retreat the participants were able to share and discuss the current good Education for Sustainable Development practices taking place in their school. Several issues hindering the successful implementation of the Eco-Schools programme were presented. It was pointed out that there is a lack of support from school management team, staff and parents from several Eco-Schools to ensure that the Eco-Schools programme is also given as much attention as other programmes managed by the Department of Education. In addition, more attention is given to academic affairs and sustainability school programmes like the Eco-Schools programme which promotes whole school approaches to sustainability also need to be given equal attention. The Eco-Schools programme is so far the only national programme which integrates sustainability issues affecting the quality of life and the environment of Seychelles within the school’s daily operation. It is a programme which concerns all members of a school community, be it teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders. Such programme is guided by several national sustainable development strategies such as the Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy plan (2012-2020), the Ministry of Education’s Policy statement ‘Education for a Learning Society (2000), Ministry of Education’s School Governance Handbook (2010) and international development strategies such as Unesco’s Global Action Programme (2015), among others.
In line with several issues encountered by all Eco-Schools, possible strategies to resolve them were presented. Experienced participants were given the opportunity to also share their knowledge to all present. Eco-Schools were also able to group per region established under the programme to discuss on possible activities that could be organised to strengthen networking and partnership. One of the common activities proposed was for occasional meetings to take place per region between head teachers and Eco-Schools leaders to discuss pertinent issues related to ESD through the Eco-Schools programme in schools with appropriate recommendations.
Eco-Schools were also able to build understanding on the current Eco-Schools criterion and methodology to ensure that the four compulsory ESD themes are included annually in their Eco-Schools action plans. These themes are water, energy, waste and land. The relevance of these themes to national sustainable development strategies and sustainable development goals were shared. Participants acquired knowledge on possible curriculum activities and school-based projects which they can undertake to ensure the infusion of the former mentioned ESD themes within the teaching and learning, resource use and management of the school’s physical environment.
Apart from the formal interactions, the retreat also included a list of indoor and outdoor activities for all participants. These included making craftwork out of reused materials, outdoor games and team building exercises on the beach, night hike in the Vallée de Mai and field trip along the Mont Plaisir nature trail on Praslin. To end the retreat, participants showcased their creative and artistic talents in a cultural soirée. The cultural soirée was one of the main highlights of the retreat and has potential for a public talent show.
The Environmental Education Unit would like to extend its sincere appreciation to several facilitators from the Environmental Education Section of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, and the Seychelles Islands Foundation. Gratitude also goes to the Seychelles National Parks Authority team on Praslin, Pams Catering Praslin centre and the National Sports Council.
On this note, all parents and potential funders and partners are asked to give their full support to the Eco-Schools in Seychelles. There is a lot that can be achieved in our schools through Education for Sustainable Development and this will depend entirely on how different groups in Seychelles can provide their full support. The future of Seychelles concerns all of us and one of the best places to shape the minds and behaviour of people to learn and practice to live sustainably is at school. To learn more about the Seychelles’ Eco-Schools programme, visit us at www.ecoschoolseychelles.org
