WWF-Philippines, APEC Schools Launches Environmental Education Training for Teachers
March 2021
WWF-Philippines, together with APEC Schools, launched a series of online learning modules on Environmental Education in early January, 2021, as part of an educational program set to last until June. Photograph © WWF-Philippines
Manila, Philippines – In an effort to encourage young Filipinos to grow as conservation champions, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, together with APEC Schools, launched an online Environmental Education(EE) program in early January of 2021.
The online program has been designed for teachers and educators, and consists of four online courses tackling a range of different conservation issues. Enrolled teachers will take up programs on climate change, biodiversity, energy, water and waste, and school resiliency and sustainability. Emphasizing the holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to EE, teachers from different subject areas are encouraged to integrate these topics into their classroom lessons and school-wide activities.
Classes will be held asynchronously to give room for educators to continue with their day jobs as they proceed through the program. CPD points will also be accredited to professional teachers upon completion of their courses.
The program is a step towards strengthening environmental education in the Philippine academic system and in supporting RA 9512, the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008. With recent events stressing the importance of caring for the environment, WWF-Philippines and APEC Schools are working to equip the next generation with the right skills to tackle the coming challenges in protecting the planet.
The modules prepared by WWF-Philippines, as presented on the APEC Schools website. Photograph © APEC Schools
Capacitating teachers with conservation knowledge and values will help ensure sustainability principles are passed onto the next generation. Through the Education for Sustainable Development team - formerly known as the Environmental Education team - WWF-Philippines continuously reaches out to both educators and the youth in the hopes of inspiring future leaders for the environment. The organization is committed to supporting changemakers in developing solutions that are geared towards sustainability.
“Teachers play a crucial role in conservation because they work hands-on with the next generation. If we can equip our educators across the country with an understanding of the principles of sustainability, then they can best raise a generation that knows how to take care of the planet,” said WWF-Philippines ESD Program Manager, Dino Calderon.
“Teachers are also important role models to students. Through this program we also hope to provide an opportunity for educators to deepen their relationship with nature so that they may inspire their students to have a better appreciation of the world we call home,” said WWF-Philippines ESD Program Officer Maye Padilla.
A snapshot from the Environmental Storytelling module. The modules were designed to capacitate educators in teaching sustainability principles to their students. Photograph © APEC Schools
As the Environmental Education program continues, more educators will be joining the fold in the fight against climate change, biodiversity degradation, and unsustainable consumption. WWF-Philippines and APEC are committed to training Filipino youth to foster critical thinking aimed at achieving the pillars of sustainable development. Support WWF-Philippines, and help build a future where humankind lives in harmony with nature.
APEC Schools aims to provide teachers with training and seminars that would enrich their learning and expertise as professionals. Its training program known as APEC Schools Professional Development Program (APEC PDP) encompasses all coaching and training opportunities that are rolled out to all APEC teachers and external training conducted to other educational institutions. APEC PDP is accredited by PRC CPDAS to provide training with equivalent CPD units Interested applicants can sign up for the program through the Facebook page of APEC Schools: https://www.facebook.com/113524700329074/posts/231161255232084/?d=n
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Dino Calderon
Environmental Education Project Manager
dcalderon@wwf.org.ph
For media arrangements, please contact:
Ms. Chezka Guevarra
Public Relations, Media, and Events Assistant Manager
cguevarra@wwf.org.ph
