Otago Regional Council coordinates the Enviroschools programme in Otago.

The kaupapa of Enviroschools is the well-being of the whole school, wider community and local ecosystem.

The aim is to foster a generation of young people who instinctively think and act sustainably.

A sustainable community is one that develops a healthy environment. An environment that we can continue to live in and enjoy for many generations. Students and schools work towards creating sustainable communities by:

• Role modelling sustainable practices
• Empowering students to be teachers among their families and peers
• Understanding what sustainability looks like
• Creating future leaders who know how to make informed decisions and take action

Over 80 schools and 12 Early Childhood Centres throughout Otago are part of the Enviroschools programme, and the number is growing.

ORC works with schools and community groups to support the nationwide Enviroschools programme in the Otago region. We help coordinate the programme to make sure that schools have the resources they need to build sustainable communities. Just a few of the ways we do this include:

• Going into schools and helping them set up environmental programmes that suit their community
• Sharing knowledge and resources with teachers that enable them to connect environmental lessons with the local area
• Providing education on plant identification, water quality and testing, as well as the insects and wildlife which keep our environment healthy
• Encourage ideas that help build a healthy school environment, like building bug hotels in the playground, or planting within school grounds to suit the area

Enviroschools is a programme that supports schools in their sustainable and environmental journeys and creates positive habits in tamariki and rangatahi that are beneficial to their communities. Through partnerships with community groups to educational resources, the Enviroschools team can support schools to take big ideas and turn them into reality.

If you are a school interested in being a part of the Enviroschools kaupapa, please email enviroschools@orc.govt.nz

If you are a teacher who wants more information about Enviroschools, please email our Regional Coordinator Lead leisa.deklerk@orc.govt.nz

If you are a member of the community that wants to get involved with Enviroschools, please get in touch with your local school for more ways you can support them.

If you'd like more information about the Enviroschools Programme visit the national Enviroschools website or contact our Regional Coordinator, Leisa de Klerk.

Email: enviroschools@orc.govt.nz

Phone: 0800 474 082

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