1. Environmental Education (ErE)

The aims of ErE go beyond learning about the environment.

They involve developing a specific mindset and skills, and providing activities where the participants will be able to progress to action, either individually or as a group.

There are any number of topics linked with environmental problems which can be guaranteed to awaken interest in children: management of waste, water and energy, pollution, safety on the way to and from school ... or a magical moment in a natural environment or face to face with a toy made out of recycled materials, a desire to stage a show about the environment ...

Environmental Education also means promoting values of solidarity, tolerance, and responsibility.

And then it means looking at relations between north and south, and the cultural dimension ...

2. Educational events in the schools of the Hauts-Pays Nature Park
in 2004

Educational events were held in 19 schools located within the boundaries of the Hauts-Pays Nature Park, from March to June 2004.

Target audience: children in the fifth and sixth years of primary education.

Various topics were dealt with: nature conservation, protection of the environment (water, noise, waste, energy, agriculture, etc.), town and country planning, economic and rural development, public awareness and information ...

Awareness was aroused by means of an educational walk near the school, where various topics were dealt with in the form of play: observing insects in magnifying pots, listening to birdsong, games like "The Magic Hedge", "Local Produce and Crafts", and "The River Contract", recognising building materials blindfold, ...

A slide show was included in the programme.

In all, some 350 pupils had an opportunity of becoming familiar with the concept of a Nature Park and producing a poster.

In addition, teachers received an educational dossier "THE HAUTS-PAYS NATURE PARK" prepared in 2001, enabling them to research topics further during subsequent school activities.

N.B. Other schools involved: local schools from the Centre to Eugies, Sars-la-Bruyère, Genly, Blaregnies, Quévy-le-Grand, Aulnois, Colfontaine (Rampe Anfouette, Libiez, Arthur Nazé), Angre, Angreau, Autreppe, Athis, Fayt-le-Franc, Audregnies, Baisieux, Blaugies, Petit-Dour and Wihéries.

3. Our active partners in the area of Environmental Education

Introduction

Environmental Education means ...

• Giving a meaning to the lesson ...
  
• Finding personal motivation
  
• Exploring together, asking questions, taking part ...
  
• Moving towards responsible citizenship...

Charges and practical organisation

There is a charge for most of the educational events organised by the producers, craftsmen, coordinators and guides of the Hauts-Pays Natural Park. In general, this is a modest sum to cover organisational expenses. As the charges for these events are subject to change, we advise you to contact the individuals concerned directly.

And of course, appointments should be made in all cases (booking obligatory).