Environmental education programme launched in schools

25 March 2010

The departments of Education Sport and Culture and Planning and Environment are pleased to introduce the ECO-ACTIVE Sustainable Schools Framework for Jersey. This is a new programme developed in partnership with 30 local environmental and development based groups to support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Jersey’s schools.

Minister of Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy James Reed said “The ECO-ACTIVE Sustainable Schools Framework is based on the UK Government’s ‘Sustainable Schools Strategy’ and aims to mainstream the 4 guiding principles of Jersey Environment Week (conservation and protection, sustainable development, community involvement, and citizenship) into everyday life at school. As such, it is very positive step for education in Jersey.”

The Framework provides clearly mapped guidance and details of many organisations which can help bring environmental and development issues to life through in-school initiatives and offsite visits. It will replace Jersey Environment Week in order to support implementation of ESD throughout the year.

Minister for Planning and Environment, Senator Freddie Cohen believes this new initiative will be helpful to all schools “The role of education is key to tackling local and global environmental challenges. The Framework supports schools at all levels from expanding current environmental and humanitarian education, accessing help to explore new areas, becoming models of sustainable behaviour and empowering children to take action.”

Work on the ECO-ACTIVE Sustainable Schools Framework will be assisted by a grants system and annual awards funded by combination of States of Jersey funds and local sponsorship. Jim Hopley from the Co-op said “The Sustainable Schools Framework is a very worthwhile way for us to continue our support for environmental education initiatives on the Island.”