6. Inform and Involve

The school informs the participants about the progress and involve as many people as possible in the project to develop the chosen theme.

What is inform and involve?

The spirit of participation and partnership is at the heart of the Eco-Schools programme. The programme is not the responsibility of just one person. It involves the whole school and calls for systematic awareness-raising initiatives so that the entire school community is informed of the approach. Thus, informing and involving is a fun but essential step in ensuring the success of the Eco-Schools project.

How to inform and involve?

There are endless opportunities for making the project shine within and beyond the confines of the school! An Eco-Schools Notice Board at the entrance of the building publicising the project’s achievements, field trips that help raise awareness among the school community, a newsletter sent to the parents, podcast series by students are merely examples – the sky is the limit!

Showcasing the progress made is not only a great way of informing and finding help, but it is also represents a source of motivation for everyone involved.

EXAMPLES OF LINKS TO THE CURRICULUM

Primary level: Visual Arts, Crafts: Create some informative signs about the project with recycled materials and display them on the campus

Middle level: English, IT: List all the results in an e-mail and share it with the school community, your parents and beyond

Secondary level: IT: Create an Eco-Schools blog, also discussing data protection with the contents you decide to upload or not

Secondary level: IT: English/Citizenship Education: Write an official letter to your city council presenting your Eco-Schools project to ask for financial or other help

7 steps

1. Form an Eco-Committee

2. Carry out a Sustainable Development Audit

3. Create an Action Plan

4. Monitor and Evaluate

5. Links to the Curriculum

6. Inform and Involve

7. Create an Eco-Code

6. Inform and Involve