KATHMANDU: A four-day regional training on green schools has been conducted recently in Pokhara in collaboration with UNESCO and the Kathmandu University. The Principals Association of Nepal (PAN) coordinated the event.

It was held in a bid to hone professional capacity of principals and enforce activities relating to sustainable development and environmental education in schools.

The training was attended by 30 persons, including 15 principals and 15 green school ‘focal teachers’ from various schools of Gandaki Province. They dwelt on green school concept, policy, framework and the measures to ensure environment friendly schools which pays heed to sustainable and climate-responsive actions. Relevant guiding documents of Nepal government and the UNESCO were distributed to the participants.

The pressing issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity conservation, ecosystems, climate justice, disaster and resilience, sustainable lifestyles and circular economy were discussed by keeping in centre the role of school education on these matters. Even the student focused and project-based learning was presented in a way to interlink the green school concept with the school curriculums.

It featured preparation of interdisciplinary lesson plans with the incorporation of environmental and sustainability concepts in various subjects. Even a demonstration class was held on the basis of those lesson plans at Bhadrakali Secondary School of Kudahar, Kaski. Professors from the Kathmandu University and UNESCO representatives observed the demonstration class and provided constructive suggestions.

According to PAN President, Sudam Gautam, the training was facilitated by professors from Kathmandu University, representatives from UNESCO and the PAN officials. He viewed the school leadership could play a vital role in building green, sustainable and climate-friendly schools.

The programme would be expanded to train over 100 school principals and focal teachers from all seven provinces.

Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit in Kaski, Loknath Acharya, believed the training would be fruitful in catering knowledge and skills to the schools as part of building sustainable future.

It was believed that the training would help create atmosphere for incorporating the green school concept into school management, teaching-learning process, co-curricular activities and collaboration with the community. It further aligns with Nepal government’s plan to develop schools as environment and climate-friendly educational institutions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the PAN added.