Page 6 - HAPPEN BOOKLET

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HAPPEN School Health Network

What does the project entail?

Keep Wales Tidy can offer a full range of online programme resources to support schools in
delivering the Eco-Schools Programme.

One to one school support is also available via our Regional Education Officers, Teacher
Training events & workshops, twilight sessions, cluster groups and pupil workshops,
conferences and events.

Schools will also be notified of relevant Keep Wales Tidy initiatives, projects and resources as
well as signposts to funding opportunities.

What is required from the School?

Schools need to register via www.keepwalestidy.org/eco-schools

Schools that are already registered and require further support should contact:

eco-schools@keepwalestidy.org or their Regional Education Officer:

http://www.keepwalestidy.org/contactus

How do the pupils directly benefit?

Schools often report that the empowerment of the pupils (through being able to make real
changes) has led to increased levels of confidence, motivation and awareness, whilst
participation in environmental action has led to increased skills and knowledge. The
programme allows young people to lead the way and the combination of learning and actions
make it an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path to improving their school
and their local communities, and for pupils to influence the lives of people around them.

The Eco-Schools programme provides a structure which not only acts as a vehicle for
delivering environmental education, but also provides the learners with real life experiences
of influencing their school’s impact on the environment. It’s the pupils who drive the changes
and monitor the results, providing them with a clear sense of action and consequence. These
values obtained are much more meaningful than learning about the theory alone and makes
environmental awareness and action a full part of the life and ethos of a school.

The programme is designed to be run by the pupils, with an adult co-ordinator acting as
mentor and facilitator. It also highlights the importance of involving the wider community in
those actions through participation, campaigns, active communication and action days.
Feedback from schools has highlighted the enjoyment derived by staff and pupils of being
part of the Eco-Schools programme. It’s a wonderful privilege to be with like-minded young
people who want to ‘do their bit’ for the planet.