The Green School: a sustainable approach towards environmental education: Case study

Abstract

‘The Green School’ is an Environmental project which is being executed at a national level at every primary school in Suriname. This project was initiated in October 2013 and is being financed by the Suriname Conservation Foundation and the State Oil Foundation for Community Development. The SUWAMA foundation is the executor of this project. The main objective of the Green School is to create a community in which we approach our Biodiversity in a sustainable and safe way. This is achieved by positively influencing the behavior of children towards our environment, focusing on the subjects Biodiversity (school gardens and endangered species), Waste (reduce, reuse and recycle), Water and Energy. Via the project all schools are provided with the necessary training, information and materials. Of the 333 primary schools registered in Suriname, 286 have officially and successfully been nominated ‘Green Schools’. The approach of the Green Schools differs from the normal natural science curriculum of the schools in terms of more practical activities such as games and or ‘do it yourself’ activities. The focus of this project is to teach children about the environment in a positive and practical way, hereby stimulating interaction. Every school elects at least five environmental brigades every year and they are responsible for making sure everyone abides by the rules of a Green School. The advantages of this approach are that children learn to work together in groups and thus socialize. Their creativity is also stimulated and they gain practical knowledge. For example in the class they learn about measurements and different types of plants, but when putting in place a garden together with their teachers, they actually measure areas up and see the plants. This not only makes learning more fun, but is a proven way to improve learning. Also great improvement has been observed at the schools after monitoring, such as cleaner classes, cleaner schoolyards and a more sustainable approach towards water and energy usage. By August 2016 all the primary schools will officially be ‘Green Schools’. The next phase of the project is making the Green School an official part of the curriculum of the primary schools.