Environmental Education in Kobe, Weihai and Surabaya

CONTENTS

1. Eco-Networking in Kobe
2. DIY (Do it Yourself) to Change the Earth in Weihai
3. Learning in the Natural Surroundings of Surabaya

1. Eco-Networking in Kobe

The active participation of younger citizens at the UNFPA seminar on Asian water showed that an informed and educated society is the link between the problems faced and the solutions to be found regarding environmental issues.

In Kobe city, citizens are taught environmental education from a young age, leading them to follow more environment-friendly ways. In schools, fourth-grade students are issued a supplementary textbook titled “Life and Waste”, which teaches them how to treat waste, save energy and be more environmentally friendly in their daily lives. Environmental poster exhibitions are organized, and a biotope study area has been built to help children and citizens learn about aquatic life and preservation.

The city offers facilities such as the Kobe Center for Environment and Future, and the Environment Classroom, which rent out environmental learning equipment. Parents join the lessons, both volunteer helpers and learners themselves.

The Environment Agency trains Environmental activity leaders, and runs the ‘Eco-citizen Club Network’, an internet-based network for elementary and middle-school students around the country to discuss and address environmental issues with their peers. Also on the internet, as well as published, is the “Kobe Environment Letter” bulletin, offering environmental information, especially for schoolchildren, on how to recycle, protect resources and better understand environmental issues.

Kobe Environment University offers lectures and training, with environmental and aquatic life conservation programs for citizens of the city, and various events such as Kobe Environment Fair’ are organized for both schoolchildren and local citizens, to encourage preservation of the local and global environment.

Kobe Center for the Environment and Future

The logo for the Kobe Environment Bulletin

To TOP

2. DIY (Do it Yourself) to Change the Earth in Weihai

A report by Mr. Sun Pingyi, Advisor of the Weihai Environmental Protection Agency

In Weihai, school environmental educational projects focus on water and air quality, waste and nature conservation. The projects do not require much funding,but rather rely on human resources.The low cost of implementation is covered by the Weihai Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Changing of school curriculums to include environmental education can be difficult, so activities are arranged out of school time, meaning students attend the program mostly in the evening after class and on weekends. 

Nowadays, more and more NGOs are becoming involved in environmental education in China, and their focus is on the younger generation, which aids the environmental educational process.

Group environmental studies in Weihai

All schools in Weihai take part in the city’s environmental education scheme, from elementary to high schools, so students learn from ages 6 to 18. They study in groups, under the guidance of their teachers, and although parents only occasionally attend the classes, students’ behavior has been reported to have a big influence on their families.

The education takes the forms of lectures, posters, books, seminars, competitions and practical activities. In one lesson, an officer from the city EPA gives lectures on solid waste, showing pictures to explain how to sort the waste into separate tanks for hazardous, recyclable and non recyclable waste.

In other lessons, students walk along the beach, picking up objects washed up by the tide, or visit the sewage treatment plant and landfill site, to learn how environmental problems are solved.

Both students and their schools are awarded prizes from national, provincial and city level governments, and the feedback from the project is good - students feel proud to know more about the environment and to contribute to the protection of the earth they live on - and teachers have noticed that the students have become more responsible.

Most students are interested in the mysteries of nature, which they are keen to explore in a practical way. Weihai has learnt that encouraging the ‘DIY’ hands-on method is the best approach to environmental education, and there are plans to involve students in community-organized environmental events in the future. There are no tests, and school teachers feel the scheme is good - as long as it does not disturb their other classes!

To TOP

3. Learning in the Natural Surroundings of Surabaya

A report by Ms. Chamidha Head of Division, Recovery and Improving Environment Quality, Environmental Protection Agency of Surabaya City

In Surabaya, environmental training is provided to both students and teachers, by way of weekend training excursions.

Groups of 100 students or teachers attend the Environment Education Center, in Seloliman, a remote village in hilly area of Mount Penanggungan, 60 kilometers south of Surabaya. The scheme introduces participants to a natural environment where they can carry out practical exercises to learn more.

The Environment Education Center, Seloliman

Water pollution is a major issue in Surabaya, so water pollution control is a key focus of the environmental education program. Students learn how to take samples from river water, and are taught the value of water preservation in their daily lives.

Air quality is also an issue, so students and teachers study pollution control, as well as sanitation, agricultural ecology (such as composting), and are taught the importance of being green in the home and school. During the lectures and activities, the students are involved through discussions and practical work. There is no involvement of parents or families, as the program is directed only at students or teachers. Upon completion of the lectures, practical activities, presentations and discussions, participants can receive a Certificate from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Funding for the program is from the local city budget, and it is free to those who take part. Participants are aged from 12 to 17 years old, and become involved in their free time. The city has no specific environmental curriculum, but elements of environmental education are integrated into several school lessons, and the Ministry of Environment initiated ‘ADIWIYATA Award’ is given nationally to those schools which have successful programs and activities to promote environmental improvement to school children and the community.

In 2007, the Santa Teresa Elementary School was awarded the ADIWIYATA Award as a representative school of Surabaya.

Composing and paper recycling activities at  Santa Teresa Elementary School, Surabaya

The projects have improved environmental education for both teachers and students, changing their day-to-day behavior, and making them more aware of the need to look after their environment. The most effective methods of harnessing children’s interest seem to be practical activities and discussions. The participants get pre-tested and post-tested on environmental issues, and post-testing results generally show improvements, after the various lectures and practical sessions.

As a result of the program, students are eager to learn more, but even more importantly, teachers are keen to teach more about the environment. In the near future, environmental campaigns will be carried out continuously, and as much as resources will allow.