A Gold Coast based waste management and environmental education program ‘Project 2020’ has been awarded $17,800 in Federal Government funding under the Communities Environment Program.
Together, the Sustainable Schools Network and Glowing Green Australia developed ‘Project 2020’, a cutting-edge waste management and education program for 4-12-year-old students to be implemented in schools across the Gold Coast.
Project 2020 will promote, educate and assist Gold Coast early years centres and primary school students to learn about environmental science, undertake ecological assessments and implement their own waste audits.
Students will learn through a comprehensive suite of online resources including video modules, e-learning resources which are aligned with the existing school curriculum. Students will be able to apply this knowledge out in the field and conduct thorough environmental and waste assessments.
Director of Glowing Green Australia and leader for environmental change for the Gold Coast, Larissa Rose (pictured far right), said the need for environmental education to be incorporated into the curriculum of Australian school students is essential to building awareness and ensuring our leaders of the future are environmentally aware.
“Environmental science and ecological assessment are essential skills needed to support the critical environmental management on the Gold Coast,” Ms Rose said.
“On the Gold Coast we are fortunate to enjoy world-class national parks and coastlines, but we need to work collaboratively to ensure they stay that way.”
“‘Project 2020’ is an important initiative that will educate the next generation of community leaders about best practice environmental management and instil an appreciation of Australia’s unique and biodiverse ecosystems.”
Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews MP, said the project is a leading example of how business, not-for-profit and government can come together to enable waste management and environmental education outcomes on the Gold Coast.
“Glowing Green has recognised the importance of showing our children how everyone can make a difference – no matter how small,” Mrs Andrews said.
“I commend the team for seeking the extra funding they needed for this vital project – through the Federal Government’s Community Environment Program – and I encourage all Gold Coast organisations to follow their lead.”
The Sustainable Schools Network has joined forces with Glowing Green Australia to build meaningful partnerships between schools and their communities regarding sustainable education.
CEO of The Sustainable Schools Network, Katie Norman, said Project 2020 is a wonderful example of collaboration that ensures schools can access real-world learning experiences.
“As a cross-curriculum priority, sustainability education helps students understand the world around them, whilst Project 2020 enables students to influence the world around them. The Sustainable Schools Network Limited is proud to enable the important work Glowing Green Australia is doing to empower today’s youth,” said Ms Norman.
The initiative ‘Project 2020’ is an exemplar of what can be achieved when industry, the not-for-profit sector and government come together to create innovative methods of promoting sustainability and environmental management.
