The Eco-Green Schools project is an evolving initiative encouraging youths to establish connections with their environment by providing them the opportunity to actively protect it. It all starts in the classroom; it expands to the school and eventually fosters change in the community at large. Through this project, youths will experience a sense of achievement at being able to have a say in the environmental management policies of their schools, ultimately steering them towards SWA-SL Eco-Green School certification and the prestige which comes with being awarded a SWA-SL Eco-Green Flag. The Eco-Green Schools project is an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the environment in both the school and the local community while at the same time having a life-long positive impact on the lives of young people, their families, school, staff and local authorities.
Getting Everyone on Board
Combining learning with hands-on experiences, the entire project is run according to an all-inclusive, participatory approach involving students, teachers and the local community at large.
Environmentally Sustainable Schools
Eco-Green Schools instill in students a sense of responsibility and foster a sustainable mindset which they can apply daily. It equips those involved with the drive to make a difference and to spread such proactive behavior amongst family and friends, ultimately passing it on to future generations.
Community Involvement
Eco-Green Schools places great emphasis on local community involvement, from the very beginning. By doing so, the lessons the students pick up are transferred back into the community where they take hold and lead to more sustainable, environmentally responsible behavior patterns all round.
National Connections
Eco-Green Schools facilitate contact between participating schools not just at the local community level, but also nationally. These connections provide an opportunity for schools to share environmental information.
How the Eco-Green School Project Works
The Eco-Green Schools project comprises of three structural elements. The seven steps framework, the eco-green school’s themes, and Assessment for the Green Flag. To be successful the project requires support from teachers and staff of the school. Active involvement of staff is vital as well as long-term commitment and the willingness to involve students in decision-making.
Eco-Green School Framework
The Seven Step Framework to Becoming an Eco-Green School
The SWA-SL Eco-Green Schools Seven Steps approach is a series of carefully engineered measures to help schools maximize the success of their Eco-Green School goals. The approach involves a wide range of people from the school community, with students playing a leading role in the process. The most important aspect for schools to remember is that every school is different, and it is therefore critical that a school fits the seven steps around its circumstances and situation and NOT try to fit the school into the seven steps. Some key points about the individual steps are below
SWA-SL Eco-Green School Flag
Usually after two years of implementing the program and reaching a high level of performance in complying with these seven, schools can then apply for and be awarded the Green Flag. Before receiving their first Green Flag, schools must be assessed by means of a visit. After the first Green Flag, other means of assessment are allowed, although visits are always recommended. Assessment should be carried out on a yearly basis.
