|
Students Using Sustainable Strategies 2008
The Studens Using Sustainable Strategies (SUSS) Project working with high schools across the region is a partnership project between the North East Waste Forum (on behalf of member councils Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire), Linnaeus estate, National Parks and Wildlife Division, Rous Water, Department of Primary Industries, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre, Alstonville and Ballina High Schools and funded through the partners above and the Coles Community Trust.
The second SUSS Forum 2008 for regional high school students was held on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th May 2008 at the Linnaeus Estate at Broken Head which included an overnight stay at Camp Drewe in Lennox Head.
Over 115 students and teachers representing 20 high schools across the region will participate in this year’s Forum. A diverse range of workshops was offered to the students designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills, motivation and inspiration to implement sustainable practices back in their schools. Workshops, included NEWF’s Composting with The Green House, waste auditing conducted by NEWF trained students leaders, a professional development workshop for teachers;
the Tweed Shire catchment activity model and many more.
While staying at Camp Drewe in Lennox Head the students and teachers enjoyed evening social activities including Sustainability Rapping and the ‘Living Library’.
Twenty environmental professionals and leaders became ‘books’ and could be borrowed, to find out first hand what it takes to work in and for the environment.The Forum’s final session encouraged students to identify and commit to actions which they will take back to their schools to reduce their impact on the environment.
The organisers aimed to showcase SUSS as an eco-event through low waste catering, composting, recycling, wise water use and car pooling. Each school planted a tree on the fore dunes of the Linnaeus Estate to off set the carbon emissions generated by travel to the Forum. Feedback on the success of the Forum from both students and teachers was very positive, and the majority of participants felt that the objectives of the Forum had been met.:: Download Forum Feedback from students and teachers
:: Download the Post Forum Evaluation Report
:: Download the Promo Brochure (new)
Post Forum School Support Program
The second and significant component of SUSS is the post forum support. Schools will continue to get help in implementing actions in waste, water, energy and biodiversity conservation. The Suss Forum coordinator will visit the schools and help create links between the schools, their local councils & land/resource management agencies to support SEMP development & action implementation.Aim and Objectives of SUSS 2008
The aim of the project is to build the capacity of students (Yrs 7 - 10) and accompanying teachers to undertake and implement sustainable conservation strategies within their schools and community. The specific objectives of the project are to:
Increase students and teachers awareness of best practice waste, water and energy use, resource recovery, and conservation and protection of biodiversity measures that can be implemented in schools. Increase students and teachers understanding of the connection between waste, water, energy, biodiversity conservation, climate change and Aboriginal cultural heritage within the context of sustainability. Increase skills in implementation of simple waste, water and energy conservation techniques on school grounds (and at home) which assist in the development of the SEMP. Develop strong support networks amongst youth and teachers attending the SUSS Forum. Create links between the schools and their local Councils and land and resource management agencies.
Waste Audit Information/Worksheets for Schools
The following documents for download will assist schools in doing their own waste audit at school. You can also find more information on sustainable schools and waste auditing at schools on the NSW Sustainable Schools website - www.sustainableschools.com.au
Regional Youth Environment Forum 2007
Overview for 2007
This exciting regional project, targeting Year 7-10 high school students, was held on the 29th and 30th May 2007 at the Linnaeus Estate in Lennox Head. 11 high schools and 60 students and teachers participated in the Forum. The main aim of the Students Using Sustainable Strategies (SUSS) Forum is to support and assist participants in the development of environmental action plans that can be incorporated into School Environmental Management Plans (SEMP) and implemented within schools. The NEWF joined a number of other regionally-based partners in co-ordinating the Forum including - Rous Water, National Parks and Wildlife Service, North East Waste Forum (NEWF) and its member Councils, Lismore City Council, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Ballina Marine Discovery Centre, Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre and teachers and students from Alstonville High Schools.
Students participated in a series of workshops over the 2 days that delivered information and resources on sustainability aspects of waste, water, energy and biodiversity. Students from Alstonville High School who had been trained in waste auditing acted as peer educators on the first day and facilitated waste auditing workshops for other students. The Green House also provided performances and composting and worm farming demonstrations. Teachers participating in the Forum had the opportunity to gain some professional development in sustainability issues and planning.
Evaluation of the SUSS Forum, showed that it was successful in increasing awareness and skills in implementation of environmental practices at school, and in creating some networks and discussions between the schools themselves. When asked what environmental action they will follow-up back at their school, 48% of respondents wrote a waste management action - including recycling and composting.
Student comments included:
“I loved the workshops and loved the people”"I knew it was important to recycle but the forum taught me how”
"I enjoyed these two days I believe it has impacted my knowledge”
“(The SUSS Forum) changed the way I think”
“Excellent presentations, geared towards students clear and concise, easily taken on board”
|
|
Home 
