Project title: Explorers Hub
Project start date: 02-10-2023
Duration: 12 months
Project end date: 02-10-2024
Project ID: SMK80023GR0041
Coordinator of the project:
Eco Logic, Republic of North Macedonia
Partner Organizations:
/
Donor:
U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia
Context/Background
As the negative impact of climate change on development accelerates, and the challenges to the local environment are becoming more and more visible to ordinary people, investing in environmental education and science since early age has become an important part of the coordinated response in Europe and across the globe. In the past 2-3 years, this “new learning approach” to nature and science through experiencing, outdoor activities and game, has become a key topic even in the Macedonian educational system (chiefly in kindergartens and elementary schools). Birds watching, cars counting, air pollution measuring, have rapidly become the new fun and engaging activities for children in which teachers and organizations such as Eco Logic played an important role. But while children aged 5-11 are increasing their knowledge and understanding of nature and sustainability, many teanegers are left out of the process. Hence, by advocating for more active role of high schools and students in the environmental debate and action, as well as by offering citizen science as a tool for exploring and addressing the local environmental challenges, Explorers Hub works to introduce a more inclusive concept of active and “environmental citizenship”, as necessary step towards building the next generation of responsible and pro-environment citizens, that will commit to work towards greener and sustainable future for all.
Objectives
The overall objective of the proposal is to impose the Green Agenda among the top priorities in local policies and programs. The specific objectives of the proposal are to:
(1) Enable schools and municipalities to jointly co-design actions and solutions to the local environmental issues and,
(2) To raise the general public’s awareness of the importance of active participation and engagement in local environmental actions.
Activities / Results1.1. Identification of needs and challenges of high-schools and youth aged 14-18.
1.2. Development of learning program and training materials for teachers and youth.
1.3. Delivery of one 1-day info-sharing and learning event for teacher.
1.4. Organizing “explorers hub” camp.
1.5. Organizing learning and discussing event for municipalities.
2.1. Organizing citizen science contest of ideas.
2.2. Organizing a citizen science school forum.
2.3. Promo activities.
Impact
(1) High schools, teachers and youth encouraged to actively engage in exploring and proposing solution to the local environmental challenges through sharing ideas and evidence for more sustainable and greener future of their neighborhoods;
(2) Municipalities and researchers are motivated to find innovative and creative ways to engage youth and schools in a joint campaign and action for greener municipalities,
(3) Citizens are motivated to engage in environmental advocacy, action and research.
