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May 2, 2008 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AMONG PROJECTS TO BENEFIT FROM GREEN EDUCATION GRANTS– – –Investments Promote Green and Growing Manitoba: Bjornson Students at Niji Mahkwa School will learn more about First Nations culture during activities in an outdoor classroom created with support from Education for Sustainable Development grants, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
Under a program called Cleansing and Sustaining Mother Earth, nursery to Grade 8 students at the school will participate in activities such as sharing circles, smudging and pipe ceremonies among others to learn traditional beliefs and practices. Students will take an active role in all stages of the project including design of the classroom, which will be called Green Space for Mother Earth.
“First Nations culture is intrinsically rooted in respect for Mother Earth and all living things, and we are pleased to support this project which promotes the environmental awareness that is inherent in traditional Aboriginal teachings,” Bjornson said.
“The Niji Mahkwa cultural team came up with the idea for the Green Space for Mother Earth project and the entire school community has embraced the project,” said Winnipeg School Division board chair Kristine Barr. “We’re very pleased that the province is supporting Education for Sustainable Development and the long-term, positive impact this project will have on students.”
The outdoor classroom project is one of 17 Education for Sustainable Development grants for Manitoba schools announced today.
Other projects to be funded include improving the water quality of Lake Winnipeg, teaching students about sustainable gardening and solving worldwide issues by sharing experiences and recreating a global village in a school. Other topics to be examined range from human rights and cultural diversity to climate change, rural transformation, energy efficiency and conservation.
“Manitoba has a reputation that is recognized worldwide for its climate change efforts and these investments ensure our students are prepared to build a green and prosperous future for our province,” Bjornson said. “Education for Sustainable Development projects teach students first-hand about the social, cultural, environmental and economic factors that affect our quality of life in Manitoba and around the world.”
The grants are provided as a result of an ongoing partnership between the Manitoba government and Manitoba Hydro. A total of $30,000 was set aside for Education for Sustainable Development projects this year. The maximum grants awarded are $2,000.
The minister noted Manitoba Hydro takes a leadership role in implementing sustainable development policies and environmental stewardship in action. By continuing the innovative grants program through this effective partnership with Manitoba Hydro, teachers and students provincewide have increased opportunities to learn about sustainability.
Since the Education for Sustainable Development grants were first awarded in 2006, a total of 33 projects have been funded. The program will be continued for the 2009-10 school year. Applications will be mailed to schools in the fall of 2009 and will be available online. More information about Education for Sustainable Development initiatives in Manitoba and a list of recipients and projects for 2008-09 are available at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/esd.
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