Supporting sustainability in schools
The Northern and Yorke Young Environmental Leaders’ Program has been launched into schools across the region to support natural resource education of primary school aged students.
The Program is an initiative of the Northern and Yorke NRM Board (NRM Board) and is being delivered by Natural Resources Northern and Yorke in partnership with the Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) across the Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and Upper North Districts.
NRM Board Presiding Member Caroline Schaefer said, education plays an important role in building student knowledge, skills and confidence.
“Starting the path of environmental education early improves student connection to their surrounds so that they may grow up with knowledge to make sustainable lifestyle choices,” she said.
“The program includes one to one support in developing tailored School Environment Management Plans that will be implemented across the whole school.
“Schools choose what they want to focus on in their classroom, which may be to improve energy efficiency, grow a food garden, extend recycling activities or other.
“Students will also be given the opportunity to get into the outdoors classroom for hands on nature based activities linked to community driven education days across each district.
“This includes the highly successful education days run by the Caltowie Corridors of Green Landcare Group, the Yacka-Moorundie Landcare Group and Yorke Peninsula NRM Group Field Day.
“The Program also includes Youth Voice which provides students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and link in with other students across South Australia in sharing their experiences and goals in environmental sustainability.
“Teachers will be supported with professional development and training opportunities that align with the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative SA, an internationally recognised best practice model for guiding schools in their exploration of sustainability, and is formally recognised by the Australian School Curriculum.”
The positive influence of this Program will flow into the wider community which benefits the region as a whole.
