Words by Smiley Team
A new project is training teachers how to become community catalysts in sustainable development, and create legacy eco projects for their communities.
The Eden project changemaker programme came about because Sam Kendall – lead for schools – and Alex Bell – an education leadership and innovation coach – wanted to create a movement, and a new kind of school leader in the UK and globally.
Taking inspiration from the Eden Project founder Tim Smit and other experts in sustainability leadership, the programme equips teachers for a school sustainability role, and is open to all educators.
“Right now, the world doesn’t just need its next great leaders, it needs its next great changemakers," says their great supporter, Lord Jim Knight.
As a result, one school in London has planted a community orchard, and another has a community poly-tunnel being produced. Others have adopted sustainability policies that ensure they are role models for their children and wider community.
(Read about four ways to future-proof your business from climate change)
"I think lockdown brought home to many families that schools are the core hubs of their communities in responding to crises and creating behaviour change," says Alex. "Schools were foodbanks, and in many cases held their community together. We’d love to see more schools growing food with and for their community.
"Why not have a fruit and vegetable gardener in every school from the local community, growing for the school kitchen or as a foodbank?”
Alex believes schools need to be ready to respond to the outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, given the planet’s unprecedented climate and ecological crisis.
“We have a readymade programme for any schools wanting to really seize the moment in making sure schools are catalysts in their communities, in taking tangible action to address the climate emergency for, and with, our young people," he adds.
(Learn more about how this school teaches harmonious living)
Sanne, a primary school teacher in London, said of the programme: “This has been a real driver for me to come together and create something that will make us all more sustainable”.
Eden Project Changemaker Joe Leech, from Pencalenick School in Cornwall, said: “It was so energising to take that time to step back, think about the bigger picture and realise the influence I might have on my school and wider community. I have five project ideas which I will take the next 3 weeks to narrow down to one.”
It’s not too late to join cohort two of the programme that kicked off this week. You can find out more about the Eden Project Changemakers programme and sign up here.
