‘Care for Environment, Care for Each Other’: Environmental Values and GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) Institutionalization among Secondary Education Students in Kepulauan Riau Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This study evaluates Kepulauan Riau-Indonesia's efforts to infuse international environmental norms into the curriculum of coastal schools, crucial due to their vulnerability to climate change. The study explores whether this integration not only heightens environmental awareness but also nurtures empathy among students, fostering care for their peers and society. A survey of 400 secondary education students in Kepulauan Riau was conducted, gauging attitudes toward environmental issues and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). The research aimed to assess the impact of the integrated curriculum on students' values and perceptions of others in the realm of environmental concerns. DiD analysis and ANCOVA revealed a significant link between the integrated curriculum and positive student values. Environmental education not only enhanced environmental awareness but also fostered empathy and care for peers and society. The integration of environmental education and GESI principles transformed students into socially responsible individuals, nurturing a sense of community. Educational institutions embracing environmental values play a transformative role. Schools integrating environmental education and GESI principles cultivate values transcending self-interest, fostering genuine empathy and care. This integration not only shapes environmentally conscious citizens but also nurtures a society characterized by compassion and solidarity, emphasizing the critical role of education in fostering social and environmental responsibility.