Sustainable Schools in UAE

[Kim Hudson]

In October 2008, as part of the East Midlands RCE I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker and facilitator at the Emirates Environmental Group’s ‘Green Living’ workshops in the United Arab Emirates. This year’s workshops, held at Rashid School for Boys in Dubai, attracted over 90 schools bringing together 450 students aged 10-18 from private and Government schools from all seven Emirate states.

A full report on my visit can be seen in the attachment.

The concept of ‘Green Living’ cannot come soon enough in the UAE, as it is reported to be the country with the highest carbon footprint per capita in the world. As well as schools, the Emirates Environmental Group is already encouraging local communities and businesses to think about their social responsibility and sustainable living. I would hope the natural progression will be the establishment of a Regional Centre of Expertise for Sustainable Development (RCE) in the Middle East.

I know that Adam Cade is already looking at possible interest within the Middle East but it would be good to hear form anyone else in this forum.

[Ruth Hartmann]

Dear Kim,

thank you so much for your report! It is great to see that there is a large interest in spreading the idea of Sustainable Development in the Region.

In addition, I would like to mention that there already is a RCE in the Middle East! The RCE Cairo got acknowledged in November 2008 - we are currently preparing a large Kick-Off event to introduce the RCE's idea within Egypt. One of our next large projects will be the establishment of a "Teaching the Teachers" program.

We are always looking forward to ideas, comments... from anyone in this forum, thank you in advance!

Kindly find enclosed some more detailed information about the RCE Cairo.

[Kim Hudson]

Thanks for getting in touch Ruth.

So sorry that I posted this without realising the presence of RCE Cairo but I guess that is because I visited in October 2008 but only posted the report since you have been established.

The structure of your RCE looks great and I will ensure that the Emirates Environmental Group are aware of your work if they are not already. They have done various work with teachers and students over the last few years.

We have just held a sustainable schools showcase in Lincolnshire that was great for teachers - 100 exhibitors and 24 talks about waus schools can become more sustainable. My next project is looking at more detail at integrating ESD in creative curriculums for schools looking into existing resources and new ideas. If there is anything you think I can support RCE Cairo on then do get in touch.

Kind regards

Kim

[Ruth Hartmann]

Dear Kim,

thank you very much for your fast and positive response. We are currently organizing our official Kick-Off Event (23.03.2009) and hope to get a lot of new ideas and input when meeting with members, stakeholders and interested organizations/ institutions. Our next step will then be to actively work on the new ToT project - therefore I am glad about your offer for support.

Kind regards,
Ruth

[Adam Cade]

Kim,
Thanks for this report. It sounds as if it went down well. After your visit, I was contacted by the Emirates Environmental Group who said your contribution was very successful. On the back of that they asked for another UK contribution to a Teachers Conference. I approached Ken Webster who agreed to attend. He has just published a book called Sense and Sustainability which, I'm sure, will provide the basis for some of his workshop. It can be downloaded from www.senseandsustainability.com.


Adam Cade
RCE East Midlands