As EcoSchools Canada begins to roll out across the country, we are excited to be partnering with The Gaia Project in New Brunswick.
Founded in 2009, The Gaia Project is a New Brunswick-based non-profit committed to giving youth the tools to take action on climate change through education. The organization runs five core programs related to climate action (including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicles) aimed to build awareness and inspire change.
In the 2019-2020 school year, a select group of New Brunswick schools will be working with The Gaia Project to pilot the EcoSchools program in its first venture outside of Ontario.
The Gaia Project and EcoSchools Canada’s missions have a shared value – that climate action and environmental learning be centre stage for today’s youth.
“In order to fight climate change, we need to mobilize a generation of people who not only understand what it is, but how to solve it. We need action!” says The Gaia Project’s Executive Director, Lizzy Gresh. These words are supported by the view that what students learn, how they learn, and where they learn, plays a significant role in their identity, values, and long-term behavioural trends.
Many amazing initiatives that New Brunswick schools are already undertaking through The Gaia Project – including energy conservation and waste audits, and community gardens – are also recognized by EcoSchools as part of our school certification process. This unique synergy between the two programs will allow schools that have been completing sustainability initiatives for as many as 10 years to officially be recognized and celebrated for their achievements.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time. Our education community has a role to play. Now more than ever, we must teach to the times and not just the textbook!”
With climate action as a central piece of our shared goals, there is a lot of work to do. We can’t wait to see the impacts that will come as a result of this collaboration!
You can learn more about The Gaia Project’s goals, programs, and resources at thegaiaproject.ca.