A landmark symposium bringing together Greece’s leading voices in climate education demonstrates innovative approaches to environmental learning.
Transforming Climate Education: Our Vision in Action
At the heart of BCA College’s, Athens, landmark symposium, the European Outdoor Education Hub (EOE HUB) showcased how outdoor education can revolutionize climate change learning for young students. As presented by our Director, Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, our approach goes beyond traditional classroom walls to create meaningful, lasting understanding of climate change.
A Critical Mission Unfolds
On November 27th, 2024, BCA College hosted the First Panhellenic Conference for Early Childhood and Primary Education Teachers, focusing specifically on educating young children about climate change. This free educational symposium brought together an impressive array of experts, from educational directors to UN representatives, all united in one crucial mission: equipping educators with the tools to teach climate change to young learners.
Distinguished Voices in Climate Education
The event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers:
- Dr. Tzortzina Spyres, Director of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- Maria Dimopoulou, Primary Education Teacher, Environmental Education Directorate of Athens
- Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, Co-founder and Director of the European Outdoor Education Hub
- Eleni Svoronou, Environmental Education Manager at WWF Hellas
- Efthymis Chatziefstathiou, Director of 2nd Primary School of Agia Varvara
Key Initiatives Showcased
The programme highlighted several groundbreaking approaches:
- “Schools for Climate” network – a collaborative initiative promoting climate education
- Outdoor Education methodologies for building climate awareness in daily school life
- WWF Hellas’s “Students in Action for Climate” pilot program
- Marine life protection initiatives connecting theory with practice
- The Cyclades Preservation Fund’s approach to citizen education
Practical Workshops & Interactive Learning
The afternoon transformed into a laboratory of learning with:
- Climate connection activities led by UN SDSN
- Nature connection exercises guided by the Greek Ecopsychology Society
- Hands-on workshops demonstrating practical teaching methods
- Forest School approaches to climate education
Looking Forward
As emphasized by BCA College’s General Director Dr. Christina Konstantinidou and Program Manager Mania Spentzou, this symposium marks a significant step toward integrating climate change education into early learning curricula. The event aligned perfectly with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on quality education and climate action.
Impact & Outcomes
The symposium achieved its core objectives:
- Providing practical tools and skills for educators
- Creating a platform for knowledge exchange
- Encouraging active participation in climate change education
- Connecting schools with civil society organizations
- Fostering networks between policy makers, educators, and scientists
Join the Movement
This pioneering initiative at BCA College represents a crucial step in advancing climate change education for young learners. For educators interested in implementing these methodologies in their classrooms, the symposium has laid the groundwork for a more informed and effective approach to teaching climate change to young students.
Connect With Us
Transform your approach to climate education through outdoor education.
Visit euoutdoor.education or email us at info@euoutdoor.education to start your journey toward innovative climate education.
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- LinkedIn: European Outdoor Education Hub
- Facebook: @EOEHub
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Together, we can empower the next generation to become active stewards of our planet. Join us in revolutionizing climate education across Greece and Europe.
📞 Contact us today to learn how you can be part of this transformative educational movement.