Community
Teaching

How to cultivate environmental awareness in schools

GVI

Posted: May 10, 2022

Let’s take a look at why schools are one of the best places for cultivating environmental awareness early on. The earlier individuals learn about the environment, the sooner they’ll be able to contribute to safeguarding it.

With environmental challenges popping up faster than expected, organisations like the United Nations (UN) and Earth.Org are calling for communities to build on their environmental awareness, and get more involved in conservation efforts.

To get started, let’s get up to speed on what environmental awareness is, and take a look at a few ideas on how to cultivate environmental awareness in schools.

GVI participants teach the children about the ocean animals.

What is environmental awareness?

Environmental awareness means being informed about our natural surroundings, and understanding how our actions affect the well-being of our local and global environments. The environment refers to all parts of nature, living and nonliving.

Being aware of the environment is important because of the increasing environmental challenges the world is experiencing, such as:

climate change
deforestation
droughts
floods
global warming
water scarcity
pollution.

Understanding these issues and making lifestyle changes that contribute to environmental conservation is what environmental awareness is all about.

A GVI volunteer fills her water bottle with water.

So, how can we encourage children to start making a positive contribution towards the environment?

Practical tips for schools

When it comes to raising awareness about environmental issues, a good place to start is by including lessons about the environment in school curriculums. All schools can learn something from the Eco-Schools Initiative.

This global initiative, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, began in 1994 and encourages young people to become environmentally conscious. They’ve assisted in establishing environmental education programs in schools in 68 countries.

Between 1994 and 2019, the program had already reached 19 million students and 1.4 million teachers in 52,000 schools.

Here are some practical tips to get started:

Teach children about the three Rs: reduce waste, reuse resources and recycle materials.
Organise tree planting days at schools and teach children why trees are important to the environment.
Encourage children to switch off all appliances and lights when not in use.
Encourage children to ensure taps are properly closed after use, and to use water sparingly.

GVI participant guiding a child in their learning.

Lead by example

We are more likely to remember things people did, rather than what they said.

While teaching children what it means to be environmentally aware is important, leading by example will have a bigger impact on them. This will not only encourage environmental awareness, but also teach them about environmentally-conscious behaviour.

When you see litter, pick it up – even if it’s not yours. You never know who might see you and learn from you.

Spread the word about protecting the environment

The lessons children learn in school can benefit the broader community if learners share their environmental knowledge with their friends and family.

A good way to make this happen is to encourage children to practise what they’ve learnt at school at home.

The benefits of children gaining environmental awareness can continue at home and encourage the broader community to practise the same habits. For example, after learning to use water sparingly at school, students can practise doing the same at home.

This approach will give children real-world context of why environmental awareness matters, and encourage communities to work together to address environmental concerns.

Take a look at GVI’s international, award-winning volunteer and intern teaching opportunities, and see how you can contribute to the environmental awareness of students around the globe.

We understand that you may have questions about how COVID-19 will affect your travel plans. Visit our FAQs page which explains our latest safety protocols in response to COVID-19.

Disclaimer: The images in this article were taken pre-COVID-19.

Save up to 15%. Book before 31 March.

Get your special offer

Apply

what’s up next?

How to Prepare for Your First Volunteer Experience: A Guide for First-Time Volunteers

Explore this ultimate guide to preparing for your first volunteer experience. Learn about program options, cultural considerations, and making a positive impact.