Local schools in ClimAct Awards

Local schools recently celebrated the first Gibraltar ClimACT Schools Awards at the University of Gibraltar.

ClimACT is a movement that was initiated, nearly five years ago, by the European-funded ClimACT project and managed locally by the University of Gibraltar. 

This movement comprises of educators from local schools and an advisory team in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change; the University of Gibraltar and local NGOs. 

ClimACT Schools aims to empower teachers and is endeavouring to teach children about sustainable practices in relation to climate change and conservation of the natural environment. 

The occasion saw the culmination of this year's work and was attended by the Minister for Education, Dr John Cortes, and Director of Education Keri Scott.

“It is absolutely wonderful to see how Climate Change awareness and action are so well embedded within the schools at every level.  Excellent work is being done by teachers, support staff and the pupils. This is the only way to ensure a safe future for all of us," Dr Cortes said.

The schools were awarded certificates as a recognition of the innovation and hard work teachers have invested in teaching pupils about the impact of climate change while embedding sustainable practices into the ethos of the schools. 

The ClimACT working party and core committee have developed the awards structure over a series of meetings and workshops.

Schools were awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond awards based on credits gained for a vast array of projects, policies and environmental initiatives. 

Schools presented numerous initiatives which have impacted upon the ethos of their schools and promoted awareness and understanding of the climate change crisis.

Initiatives ranged from recycling of paper and plastic and general waste reduction, the setting up of sustainable hubs, upcycling art projects, zen zones and school patios, traffic free days, outings to study natural heritage, and growing vegetables, herbs and flowers in schools.

“The level of innovation, while developing skills of creativity, real-world engagement, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills, was truly impressive,” the Gibraltar Government said.

“It is abundantly clear that our schools are invested in addressing the climate crisis. They are highlighting and prioritising the kind of immediate action that we all need to take now to avert disastrous consequences and steer a course to a better tomorrow.”