Primary school students from throughout Central Otago explored their natural environment through another Enviroschools hui in Alexandra this week.

Funded and led by a team within the Otago Regional Council (ORC), a record six hui has been scheduled for schools across Otago during Term 4.

Enviroschools regional coordinator lead Leisa de Klerk said the main focus of the hui was giving young people the skills and knowledge as leaders of their school to create and maintain environmental change within their communities.

The day started with a trip to the Alexandra Community Gardens where pupils learned about soil health and composting, and then up to Jolendale Park to explore the forest.

“It’s about taking a step back from a place and being present and noticing what’s around you,” she said.

The pupils made huts and explored how many people they could fit under rock bivvies, and looked at the different trees and growth in the forest.

“Most of the students said they never even knew about Jolendale Park.”

School pupils searching for bugs at the Alexandra Community Gardens. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Accessibility to environmental education was a priority for Enviroschools which was why hui were held locally, with local experts who knew their areas best, Leisa said.

“This gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, outside the classroom, to develop different aspects of the national curriculum; specifically related to our environment and wide-ranging biodiversity.’’

The skills they developed in their natural environments were then taken back to the classrooms, to inspire others.

“It gives students a chance to think about other ways to approach the sustainability journey within their schools.”

After more than 21 years, Enviroschools programmes across Otago now reached 101 schools incorporating more than 24,000 pupils, in year-round programmes.

Enviroschools was a nationwide programme supported by Toimata Foundation and a large network of regional partners. 

Early childhood centres and schools commit to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki/students connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities.

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