Enviroschools facilitators Kiri Olds and Zoe Jefferies recently facilitated hui for kura in Whangārei and Kerikeri that showcase how Garden to Table, EcoSolutions and Enviroschools work together.
Enviroschools provides an underpinning kaupapa that builds a strong foundation for integrating sustainability into the curriculum in a holistic, locally relevant way. Providers such as EcoSolutions and Garden to Table are experienced in offering topic-specific expertise to kaiako and ākonga.
Rethinking and refusing.
Cezanne and Anouk from EcoSolutions spoke about the ethos of the Community Business and Environment Centre (CBEC) and the work they do in the community and with schools. Rebecca from Garden to Table shared case studies from her mahi and Kiri and Zoe spoke about what the Enviroschools offers the whole school community.
Following the introductory kōrero, 3 smaller groups were formed to experience the three different focus areas through the following activities:
Garden to Table rotation:
- Whanake – grow sunflower seed from saved seed
- Hauhake – choose herbs for pesto
- Whakarite – prepare pesto
- Whangāi – mindful eating activity
Capturing participant voice, learning and engagement.
EcoSolutions rotation:
- Waste sorting game
- In school lessons
- Recycling do’s and don’ts
- ‘Hard to recycle’ items
- Schools waste station set ups
Enviroschools rotation:
- Action Learning Cycle
- Explore our senses activities
- Vision mapping
- Atua activity
“The passion from the facilitators to inspire us!” –Response from a participant to the question: How can we empower ākonga to lead this journey?
The time together offered an opportunity for the sustainability-focused organisations to connect under one roof, explore synergies, share challenges and provide hands-on activities that teachers could take straight back to the classroom.
A big thanks from our Enviroschools team to all who came along and supported the kaupapa – we hope your kete is a little bit fuller.
“Need to look at Enviroschools website and get teachers interest!” – next steps from a participant
Banner image: Kiri and Rebecca open the hui with karakia.
This article was originally published by Northland Regional Council