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Empowering Youth Through Environmental Education: The ISHPINGO Initiative in Ecuador

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Empowering Youth Through Environmental Education: The ISHPINGO Initiative in Ecuador

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The "Educación Ambiental" program by ISHPINGO in Ecuador is an excellent example of integrating environmental education into the curriculum. This program focuses on raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the conservation of ecosystems, particularly in the Amazon region. It engages students from local communities in environmental education activities, including learning about sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and the protection of the Yasuni National Park. The program includes field trips, workshops, and interactive lessons where students gain knowledge about the environment and develop practical skills to protect it. By combining education with real-world conservation efforts, the program also provides students with the opportunity to practice English through discussions and projects on environmental topics. This initiative emphasizes the role of education in fostering responsible global citizens who are actively involved in sustainability efforts.

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So whilst I talk a lot about sustainability in the ELT classroom, I must admit Ifeel that I am still at the start of my journey of incorporating this theme into my teaching - and a jolly good resource to take the first step is by visiting the British Council's Teacher Training page on Climate Action in English Language Teaching . There are some useful links, and lots of information, including a super downloadable handbook "Climate Action in language education: Activities for low resource classrooms" (by sustainability gurus, Daniel Barber, Katherine Bilsborough, Chris Graham & Thomas Kral),

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Teachers of the Centro Colombo Americano in October 2024

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In July of 2024, Colombia began implementing a 2022 law to ban the use of single-use plastics. My colleague and friend Allegra Troiano (sitting in the middle on the floor) and I (peeking over heads in the back right) offered training and professional development at the Centro Colombo Americano in Manizales, Colombia. We worked with Access youth and alumni, university students, and young teachers (pictured here) on eco-ELT/project-based language learning. During our two weeks in Manizales, students and teachers learned about the hazards of plastic to the environment and human health through hands-on activities and exploration of sustainability resources on the website that Allegra and I have curated for teachers, trainers, and students. Take a look, if you would like! https://www.eco-english.org.

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Environment Lessons

Try these lessons to help students brush up on knowledge of the environment and learn some useful vocabulary. There are readings, listening, speaking activities, vocabulary, writing, role plays, online quizzes and lots more. https://breakingnewsenglish.com/environment.html

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Download this photo by Ave Calvar on Unsplash

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I would like to share an example that I found interesting, which is Digital Storytelling on Sustainability. It's an innovative approach that combines language learning, technology, and environmental awareness. In this project, students research sustainability topics to create digital stories or short videos to convey their findings. For example, students can produce a mini-documentary highlighting local eco-friendly initiatives or narrate a story about combating climate change. By getting students involved in this project, they can analyze complex issues like climate change, evaluate solutions, and articulate their perspectives creatively. It's a great opportunity for students as they can deep their understanding of sustainability, fostering a sense of responsability and action.

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Environmental Management and Global Perspectives Classes

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Environmental Management and Global Perspectives Classes

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As I told you, I deliver these two subjects in a bilingual school in my area. Of course, by teaching them, I have incorporated ES in my lessons. Through Environmental Management, I teach a lot about what happens to our soils, our oceans, our biomes and our atmosphere. I work through PBL so my students do a lot of investigation on several issues. Through Global Perspectives, I teach the SDGs and the realities around the world. I work creating "solutionaries" through The Solutionary Framework from the Institute for Humane Education. I invite you to join me if you want to. It's a great framework indeed. I work a lot with case studies also. They help to see what happens around us and I make my students take real action in our communities. In the picture you can see me with some of the ecobricks we managed to prepare last year at school

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Ocean Guardians: Young Scouts Explore and Protect the Marine Ecosystems of Galápagos

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Ocean Guardians: Young Scouts Explore and Protect the Marine Ecosystems of Galápagos

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This initiative seeked to train young people, called "aquanauts," in diving and underwater exploration. The young individuals became local experts in ocean conservation, capable of implementing projects to protect the unique marine life in their communities. The initiative empowered young people to become advocates for ocean conservation and educate the community about marine ecosystems.

Skill Development: Trained young aquanauts in diving and underwater exploration to directly participate in conservation efforts.

Community Engagement: Fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people for their local marine environments.

Education and Awareness: Emphasized the importance of marine ecosystem education to inspire long-term commitment to conservation.

Local Impact: Developed local leaders in marine conservation to create sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the community.