“Enviroschools is education for a climate changing future” (Esther Kirk, 2024).
Mihi nui to Michelle Ducat, facilitator for Te Awakairangi ki Uta (Upper Hutt), who facilitated one of our experienced facilitator support huitopa looking at our work around Climate Change; whats providing hope now, the challenges, and our visions for the future as Enviroschools facilitators. We began the hui discussing the current situation. Michelles focus question was…
“What are the spaces of hope in your mahi now?
The following are the threads from the Break out room discussions:
“Enviroschools IS education for a climate changing future “ we know this but others may not… what messages and links can we share that tells this story and gives people confidence that they don’t need to be creating new things. Most aspects of our work can be expressed as mitigating Climate Change, we can be more intentional in talking about the connections. This post in the team area unpacks these connections. Scroll to the bottom for links to other relevant websites and resources https://enviroschools.org.nz/team-area/enviroschools-delivering-a-whole-school-and-centre-approach-to-climate-education-and-action/
Look at global issues related to climate change but always bringing it back to local action and noticing local impacts eg: Inquiry on biodiversity leading to restoration action and, at the end of session, linking in that we also sequestered X amount of carbon because of this action. Reframing away from climate change as the problem to more solutions-focused around living sustainably.
Youth empowerment and enabling young leaders was one of the common themes. Some regions have been running Climate events/camps for their Rangatira. In Waikato this has developed over a few years from a one day hui to an overnight event in Kirikiriroa called the ‘Rangatira Climate summit.’ From this young people may choose to join Rangatahi Voices, an independent, youth-led forum created to give young people in the Waikato a platform to influence positive change.
Gill Stewart from the Wairarapa is running a ‘photo story’ showcase – asking schools to share their climate action with the community in the hope that it will be an opportunity to hear the voices of young and an opportunity to celebrate – share and listen.
Environmental Educator support groups such as Taupō Environmental Education Collaborative were also mentioned as support for facilitators to connect with other Environmental Education organisations and create greater understanding for a more holistic, integrated approach. Linking in with our other teams in council such as biodiversity, biosecurity, and land and water experts also creates connections that can lead to greater opportunities for ākonga.
Finding diverse ways to connect with and engage with busy Kaiako such as online meetings either 1:1, or cluster. Connecting passionate Kaiako through workshops or cluster hui, who gain inspiration and motivation hearing and seeing what is happening in other kura.
Relationship building is key, knowing what your schools are planning and being able to connect them with relevant resources from Enviroschools and other sources such as NZAEE
Building Te Ao Māori connections. A recent Wānanga for teachers in Tamaki during the holidays focussed on wellbeing, collaboration and examples of what is happening in schools. Teachers were invited to bring their own tamariki which enabled attendance and supported everyone’s wellbeing. Some Iwi are offering Cultural Induction Hui, attending these are seen as the first step in relationship building. Checking out the Maramataka can help with align our planning to hauora.
Connecting Iwi and Community groups with schools to create relationships that benefit the local environment. Collaborating on local restoration projects can spark curiosity and more in depth learning and connecting to initiatives such as; ‘Adopt a Stream’ or ‘Trees for Survival’ in schools.
Supporting schools and groups with funding which empowers people to take action. The funds that are flexible on projects mean climate action projects are diverse.
Supporting schools in providing opportunities for akonga to connect with and learn about the wonders of nature.
This page from the jamboard captures some of the questions, tensions and challenges that facilitators are facing 2024_ES_National_Climate action board_Experienced Facilitator
Other supportive links:
- https://www.nzaee.org.nz/resources
- https://www.nzaee.org.nz/resources/climate-change-learning-programme
- https://livelightly.nz/
- https://www.nzcer.org.nz/research/publications/climate-change-what-can-schools-do-research-briefing-1
Schools can email emissions.reduction@education.govt.nz to send a carbon footprint for their particular school. This is a graphic to look at their overview of emissions reduction: MOE230601 – Ecosystem infographic – new iteration-Colour-v3 (education.govt.nz)
In the spirit of sharing please leave a comment below or contact us with any other ideas, resources and links you think would enrich this page.