ECO-UNESCO Ireland’s Environmental Education and Youth Organisation
ANNUAL REPORT
(&281(6&2LVDIÀOLDWHGWRWKH:RUOG)HGHUDWLRQRI81(6&2&OXEV&HQWUHVDQG$VVRFLDWLRQV :)8&$
ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015
Contents
2 Chairperson’s and Director’s Statement
3 Highlights of the year
4 Quotes of the year
5 About ECO-UNESCO
7 Environmental Youth Programmes
8 Young Environmentalist Awards
9 (&2&OXEVDQG$IÀOLDWHG*URXSV
10 Youth for Sustainable Development
11 Learning2Change Our World
12 Environmental Youth Events & Workshops
13 ECO-Choices
14 Education and Training
15 Youth Employability Programme
16 Communications and Representation
17 UNESCO and International Work
18 Collaborative Work
19 )XQGLQJ *RYHUQDQFH
1 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015
Chairperson’s and Director’s Message
Dear friends of ECO-UNESCO, Youth empowerment remains central to our work, DQGRXU 2 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Highlights of the year Making a positive change 10,340 to 10,340 young people 300 ECO-Clubs ECO-Clubs and DIÀOLDWHGJURXSV Active in 32 counties 32 in Ireland Trained 445 counties youth leaders 445 and teachers 500+ 500+ events, activities and workshops held in Ireland and Northern Ireland Over 4,000 74 participated young people in a Transnational participated 74 Youth Forum in the Young Environmentalist 4,000 Awards 317 young people 499 gained QQI/FETAC ‘at-risk’ young people TXDOLÀFDWLRQV empowered to make healthy life choices 3 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 The Year in Quotes “The YEA was a very positive experience for our “It is heartening to witness the levels of interest and passion exhibited school as a whole.” by so many young people in the future of the environment that we YEA participant all share… I would like to commend the work that you are doing and I would also like to acknowledge the work that is done quietly in the background to encourage and promote this powerful concept, looking towards our shared future and the conservation of our environment.” Michael D Higgins, ECO-UNESCO Patron. “I really enjoy coming every week making new friends and getting to express ideas is UHDOO\EHQHÀFLDOµ “I feel the knowledge and skills I have gained Youth for Sustainable in the YEA is very helpful and this will help with Development Peer Education any other action projects in the future” participant YEA young person participant “The support was fantastic and the children and the “Very enjoyable, very hands community really got involved, it connected really on and interactive. Children well with the sense of community spirit that is enjoyed it very much.” so much at the heart of what we do... DSPM teacher evaluation We hope to take part again next year.” YEA Project Leader ‘You’ve done a great job – such a perfect kid oriented camp – lots of outdoor play and freedom and a good mix of chill time “I can certainly say that I have and make and do all the while bringing great learning via your JURZQLQFRQÀGHQFHDQGKDYH ethics. So brilliant that they were immersed in so much gained several new skills ranging nature based activity. PS staff are wonderful!’ from communication skills, ECO-Explorers Summer camp attendee’s parent presentation skills, interview skills to team work skills; all of which will make me more employable”. Green Pathways participant ´*UHHQ3DWKZD\VDQGWKH(&281(6&2 team have done more than help me get a job, they allowed me to start my own “ECO-UNESCO has made me aware of pathway to a professional career, and for what´s going on in the world and the issues that I will always be grateful” surrounding global warming and climate Green Pathways participant FKDQJH,WKHOSHGPHJDLQFRQÀGHQFH and gave me facilitating skills. I enjoy meeting and talking to new people” Youth for Sustainable Development Peer Education participant 4 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 About ECO-UNESCO ECO-UNESCO is Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation that works to empower young people and conserve the environment. (&281(6&2LVDIÀOLDWHGWRWKH:RUOG)HGHUDWLRQRI81(6&2&OXEV &HQWUHVDQG$VVRFLDWLRQV :)8&$ ECO-UNESCO’s aims are to: ECO-UNESCO’s Key Activities 2015 • Raise awareness, understanding and knowledge of ECO-UNESCO’s programmes continue to empower and the environment among young people support young people to take action to protect and conserve the environment. Key highlights of our core • Promote the protection and conservation of programmes in 2015 include: the environment • Promote the personal development of young ECO-Youth people through practical environmental projects and activities • ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards • Promote the ideals of UNESCO Programme • Youth for Sustainable Development and Peer Education Programme Protecting the Environment • Environmental youth events, activities and workshops across Ireland and Northern Ireland ECO-UNESCO works with young people, educators and • ECO-UNESCO Clubs Programme youth leaders on environmental projects across Ireland, helping to protect and conserve the environment. Each (&2 5 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 About ECO-UNESCO Education and training (&281(6&2LVDIÀOLDWHGWRWKH:RUOG)HGHUDWLRQRI 81(6&2&OXEV&HQWUHVDQG$VVRFLDWLRQV :)8&$ 7KH 'HOLYHUHG*UHHQ3DWKZD\VWUDLQLQJDQGHPSOR\PHQW UNESCO Clubs movement started in Japan in 1947 with programmes for young jobseekers the aim of providing a means for individuals to become • Information and support provided to educators, involved in promoting the goals of UNESCO, namely youth leaders and young people cooperation and collaboration for peace. Founded in 1981, WFUCA is responsible for informing, coordinating • Discovery Primary Science and Maths accredited and mobilising its members with UNESCO’s support organisation with outreach workshops available DQGFRRSHUDWLRQ(&281(6&2LVWKH:)8&$DIÀOLDWH • Training including FETAC accredited courses in Ireland and supports and coordinates an all-island delivered to a wide audience network of ECO-UNESCO environmental youth clubs. .H\SDUWQHURQ81(6&2*OREDO$FWLRQ3URJUDPPH • Key partner on University Educators for Sustainable Acknowledgements Development international project ECO-UNESCO would like to thank all those who contributed to the development of the organisation Other activities in 2015, especially all of our dedicated members and funders as well as our hardworking staff, interns and 81(6&2*OREDO$FWLRQ3URJUDPPHRQ(GXFDWLRQIRU volunteers. During the year, 40 people completed ECO- 6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW .H\3DUWQHU UNESCO’s internship and volunteer programmes. • ECO-Sustainability Award for organisations • Representation and advocacy for environmental Board Members: Mark Bennett; Karen Furlong; Ann Marie education and education for sustainable .LOVKDZ 7RP0F*RYHUQ /L]&DUUROO -DPLH&XGGHQ development • Development of environmental education resources National Director: Elaine Nevin Staff: Roberta Bellini; Anthony Burrowes; Samantha Byrne; Laura Cahill; Jenna Cains; Tom Dermody; Niamh Hand; Ji Hyun Ki; Dunchadh Kinane; Ann Kinsella; Laura Madden; Link to UNESCO )HLGKOLPÐ6HDVQiLQ &DUORV3HUH] 6DQGUD6WUXJDU Deirdre Walsh; Sarah Walsh ECO-UNESCO is a Key Strategic Partner of UNESCO Members & Participants: All ECO-UNESCO members IRUWKHLPSOHPHQWDWLRQRIWKH81(6&2*OREDO$FWLRQ and participants help to support the vision of the Programme in Education for Sustainable Development. organisation. 6 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Environmental Youth Programmes ECO-UNESCO raised awareness on a broad range of environmental issues through our range of Youth programmes in schools, youth organisations, community groups, and local authorities. The programmes, which include the Young Environmentalist Awards, Youth for Sustainable Development, ECO-Clubs, Learning2Change Our World, ECO- Choices, and Environmental events and workshops, provide an opportunity for young people to learn about the HQYLURQPHQWGHYHORSVHQVLWLYLW\WRZDUGVQDWXUHDQGHPSRZHUWKHPWRFDUU\RXWDFWLRQSURMHFWVZKLFKEHQHÀWWKH young person, their peers and the community. Over 4,000 young people participated in the Young Environmentalist Awards 4,000 people engaged in Learning2Change 1124 young people 1,569 have participated in over 145 workshops 1,124 300 ECO-Clubs and 30 ECO-Clubs counties DIÀOLDWHGJURXSV 76 Environmental 76 workshops Celebrating our Environment ECO-UNESCO made use of key environmental dates to raise awareness and celebrate what is being done to protect our environment. In 2015 we celebrated: • World Water Day – 50 young people celebrated with an HYHQWLQWKH*UHHQKRXVHZKLFKZDVIDFLOLWDWHGE\WKH • National Tree Week – celebrated by a group of 25 children at Edward’s Primary school, Castlederg by meeting the trees and taking photos in the school grounds . • Biodiversity week²PDUNHGE\*UHHQ7UDLOVRI'XEOLQZLWK young people, and also a group went on outdoor excursions to the Phoenix Park & Bull Island. • World Environment Day – celebrated in an environmental workshop at Scoil Mhuire, Swanlinbar with a group of 44 children. • ECO Week – 58 children from St Lorcan’s Boys National School, Palmerstown, got creative in creative recycling workshops. • Science Week – celebrated with 74 children from Educate Together Mullingar, Mercy College Coolock and All Saints National School, Mullingar. 7 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Environmental Youth Programmes Young Environmentalist Awards 35,000+ Young people involved since 1999 Over 4,000 Young people participated in 2015 Projects registered 15% 302 3,836 online votes cast in the People’s Choice Awards ECO-Dens groups pitched their projects in the 108 ECO-Dens SURMHFWVVKRUWOLVWHGIRUWKH*DOD 79 Showcase & Awards Ceremony 6 Steps to Success Training workshops 46 delivered to 1000+ young people 15 CATs 15 Categories 5 5HJLRQDOVHPLÀQDO(&2'HQV The ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) aims to empower young people (aged 10-18) to become better citizens, build awareness of environmental issues and promote simple lifestyle changes to improve the environment. Since it began in 1999, over 35,000 young people have participated. The YEA 2015 maintained a high level of participation for their project ‘Paws for a Moment’; Youth Reach of young people from 31 counties across Ireland. In Listowel won Senior ECO-Art and Design Award; and 2015, over 4,000 young people participated in the Supported by the Department of Environment, Community DQG/RFDO*RYHUQPHQW WKH(QYLURQPHQWDO3URWHFWLRQ 8 Agency; and the Department for Children and Youth Affairs. ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 ECO-Dens 'XULQJWKH6KRZFDVHWKH ÀQDOLVWSURMHFWVZHUHRQ The ECO-Dens proved again to be very popular with display and an expert panel of judges visited each young people, teachers, youth leaders and local group and discussed their project. With an opportunity representatives. The ECO-Dens are regional ‘Dragon’s to voice their achievements, opinions and concerns with Den’ style judging events where YEA groups are given the regards to their environmental projects, young people opportunity of pitching their project to a panel of expert JDLQHGFRQÀGHQFHDQGIXUWKHUHGYDULRXVVNLOOVVXFKDV regional judges. communication skills, planning and research skills. 108 groups attended the ECO-Dens in March 2015 ZKLFKWRRNSODFHLQ0XQVWHU /LIHWLPH/DELQ&RUN 8OVWHU Exhibition & Video /RXJK1HDJK'LVFRYHU\&HQWUHLQ$UPDJK &RQQDXJKW &ODUHJDOZD\+RWHOLQ*DOZD\ DQG/HLQVWHU (&2 7KHZRQGHUIXODFKLHYHPHQWVRIDOOWKHÀQDOLVWVZHUH 81(6&2+HDGTXDUWHUVLQ'XEOLQ *URXSVSUHVHQWHGWKHLU highlighted in a specially produced YEA video which project to the panel of judges and had to respond to was made available on the ECO-UNESCO website and judges questions and received valuable feedback from YouTube channel. Further showcasing the talent of the YEA the experts. The ECO-Dens were supported by 14 local winners, an exhibition of their projects took place in the authorities from in Ireland and Northern Ireland. European Union House throughout the summer of 2015, DOORZLQJPHPEHUVRIWKHSXEOLFWRYLHZÀQDOLVWV·SURMHFWV and learn more about their local action endeavours. Showcase and Awards Ceremony The YEA Showcase and Ceremony was held on May Funders & Sponsors 13th in the Round Room of the Mansion House, Dublin. In attendance were over 700 young people, teachers, ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards 2015 was youth leaders, and members of the public as well as high supported by, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, SURÀOHJXHVWVLQFOXGLQJ0LQLVWHU6HDQ6KHUORFN3URIHVVRU National Development Plan, Department of Environment, Patrick McKeever, Chief of Section, Earth Sciences and +HULWDJHDQG/RFDO*RYHUQPHQW(QYLURQPHQWDO *HRKD]DUG5LVN5HGXFWLRQDQG6HFUHWDU\RIWKH,*&3IRU Protection Agency, Dublin City Council, Alupro Ireland, UNESCO, Cllr Claire Byrne, and RTÉ Presenter Aidan Power Concern Worldwide. The ECO-Dens were supported by 13 as Master of Ceremonies. local councils in Ireland and Northern Ireland. (&2&OXEVDQG$IÀOLDWHG*URXSV (&281(6&2&OXEVDQGDIÀOLDWHGJURXSVDUHJURXSVRI Youth for Sustainable development, with training provided young people who are in an existing club who undertake to the leaders. environmental action, or come together to form an ECO- &OXEDQGDIÀOLDWHWR(&281(6&27KHUHDUH(&2 $QWL/LWWHUDQG$QWL*UDIÀWL$ZDUHQHVV*UDQW 81(6&2DIÀOLDWHG&OXEVDQGJURXSVLQ,UHODQGZKRKDYH funding from DunLaoghaire/Rathdown County taken action to support their local environment. In 2015 Council has funded a programme entitled the DLR new Clubs were established directly through other ECO- Club Hub. This programme ran on a weekly basis in UNESCO programmes including the YEA, the Youth for St. Teirnan’s Community School in Dundrum, which Sustainable Development programme and ECO-Choices. began in December 2015 and ran until the end of term in May 2016. The young people explored a range of Ongoing support, mentoring and training was available environmental issues important to them. The programme to Clubs to support them. The following was undertaken supported the young people to write, design, and create in 2015: 1 day workshop delivered in Dublin in October ÀYHFKLOGUHQ·VERRNVDLPHGDWSULPDU\VFKRROFKLOGUHQ on establishing an ECO-UNESCO Club; Information to increase their awareness on environmental issues sessions; emails to registered ECO-UNESCO Clubs to offer including: waste, litter, water conservation, energy, and support and ideas for action and activities, subscription sustainable living. to E-bulletin. The NQSF for Clubs is being piloted with the 9 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Environmental Youth Programmes Youth for Sustainable Development The Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) programme provides opportunities for young people to engage in quality development education/education for sustainable development activities, and strengthen their capacity to take action on global justice issues by empowering them to act as youth leaders and peer development educators. This is achieved through a structured peer education programme and accredited trainings for young people (15-18) where they develop knowledge & skills to work with their peers on global justice issues by undertaking local action projects and events and by measuring their impact. Youth for Sustainable Development Global Internal events Youth Leaders for Change • Young people celebrated and peer facilitated In 2015, 119 young people engaged with ECO- workshops for International World Water day. 81(6&2·V Supported by Irish Aid 10 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Learning2Change Our World Scoil students engaged teachers trained schools engaged class workshops 1,230 134 20+ 60 The Learning2Change Our World Programme promotes An insight into activities Education for Sustainable Development in secondary schools in Ireland. It is funded by Irish Aids WorldWise Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin, organised a *OREDO6FKRROVSURJUDPPHDQGHQFRXUDJHVSULQFLSDOV campaign to visibly clean up the school grounds teachers and young people to engage with the and surrounding neighbourhood of Moyclare. They Whole School Approach to Development Education/ KLJKOLJKWHGWKHVLJQLÀFDQFHRIERWKZDWHUDQGZDVWH (GXFDWLRQIRU6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW '((6' PDQDJHPHQWVFKRRODQGWKHZLGHUFRPPXQLW\XWLOL]LQJ through teacher training; curriculum work; active slogans and promoting their activities. learning and action project work. Millstreet Community School, Cork set up a collection Training workshops were delivered throughout 2015 point tor WEEE waste, creatively upcycling bins to be to teachers and young people where they explored used for recycling waste, ran an upcycled fashion show DE/ESD and focused on themes of sustainable and poster completion to help reduce waste. development, local and global connections and strengthening peer to peer learning techniques and St. Louis Community School, Co. Mayo wanted to raise local action project work. They went on to develop awareness of water shortages worldwide. During their possible ways to integrate DE/ESD into their school with Week of Action they did peer education workshops in broader focus on their home and community life. their school and in the local national school. Teachers discussed and debated global issues during this week Over 20 schools participated in the Learning2Change and they undertook a ‘Walk for Water’ initiative where SURJUDPPH VSHFLÀFDOO\SDUWLFLSDWHGLQORFDO they carried water for 8km to raise awareness and action projects and a week of action, with 19 different increase solidarity. awareness raising action projects on global justice and sustainable development related issues. Coinciding with Earth Day, the schools were encouraged to tweet and What the teachers said: Facebook what they were doing for their action project and action week using the #L2C2015. “We’re glad that there will be people from ECO-UNESCO who will come out to the schools for training”, “very These were retweeted with view to 1797 followers and insightful, interactive, thought-provoking workshop”. posted on Facebook with 2076 likes and 983 friends. 7HQRIWKHVHSURMHFWVZHQWRQWREHFRPHÀQDOLVWVLQWKH Teachers also commented that they felt equipped to Young Environmentalist Awards, with three gaining an use active learning methodologies in their classrooms award. having seen them in action and were keen to “get the whole school involved”. Funded by the Irish Aid WorldWise *OREDO6FKRROV3URJUDPPH 11 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Environmental Youth Programmes Youth Events & Workshops ECO-UNESCO’s wide range of workshops and programmes for young people continued to be delivered across Ireland throughout 2015. Eco-Workshops ECO-Explorers children’s camps and teen camps (&281(6&2·VÁDJVKLSVHULHVRI(&2ZRUNVKRSVIRU young people continues to be a favourite for schools The ECO-Explorers Easter camp took place in The and youth groups across Ireland. This includes our *UHHQKRXVH'XEOLQ$SULOZLWKFKLOGUHQDJHG ECO-Watchers and ECO-Action series, as well as 5-10 years, with daily outings to Merrion Square. In June ECO-Discovery. Workshop topics include Water, Energy, 2015, 12 young people attended ECO-UNESCO’s Teen Waste, Climate Change and Biodiversity, all with the camp in Dublin. For the ECO-Explorers summer camps in underlying principal of Sustainable Development at their July ECO-UNESCO had a new venue with daily outings to FRUH:RUNVKRSVDUHKLJKO\ÁH[LEOHPHDQLQJWKH\FDQ the Phoenix Park. Five week-long camps were held over be enjoyed by secondary level young peoples all the July-August 2015 with a total of 90 children taking part. In way down to junior infants. October the ECO-Explorers Halloween camp had nine children attended this camp with outings to Phoenix Park. The following workshops were delivered as ad-hoc sessions or in conjunction with Local Authorities: [*DUGHQLQJZRUNVKRSVWR \RXQJSHRSOH What’s So Hot About Climate Change: Road to Paris, Transnational Youth 3 x Discover Primary Science and Maths workshops to Eco-Forum 83 children [*UHHQ7HHQ$QWLOLWWHUOLWWHUZRUNVKRSVWR \RXQJ ECO-UNESCO’s Transnational Youth ECO Forum took people place in Dublin over October 21st-23rd 2015 with 74 SDUWLFLSDQWVIURPÀYHFRXQWULHV ,UHODQG1RUZD\ 5 x BiodiverCity workshops to 87 young people &]HFK5HSXEOLF,WDO\DQG$OEDQLD 7KH)RUXPIXQGHG through Erasmus+ was entitled ‘What’s So Hot About [*OREDO5HVSRQVLELOLWLHV0HGLD 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ Climate Change: Road to Paris’ and aimed to engage workshops to 97 young people environmentally-minded young people in structured dialogue with experts and politicians on the approach 7 x week-long ECO-Explorers seasonal children’s camps to the UN COP 21 Climate Change meeting in Paris 2015. to 113 young people The three day Forum visited topics such as youth [*OREDO5HVSRQVLELOLWLHV)DVKLRQ)RFXVZRUNVKRSVWR participation, climate change, sustainability and 242 young people taking action, and featured a mock COP 21 to allow the participants a real hands-on understanding of 11 x ECO-Action workshops on Biodiversity and Water to the complicated COP 21 process. Participants were 244 young people supported to create a set of ‘recommendations’ for 13 x ECO-Watchers workshops on topics of Water, policy makers and experts who would be engaging and Energy, Waste, Climate Change, Biodiversity and contributing to the COP 21 process. Coastal Awareness to 300 young people These recommendations were distributed to 140 relevant 15 x North West Healthy Living workshops to 289 parties in advance of COP 21 including MEPs, Ministers, young people &RXQFLOORUV(QYLURQPHQWDO$ZDUHQHVV2IÀFHUVH[SHUWV (QYLURQPHQWJURXSV1*2VDQGRWKHUVWDNHKROGHUV7KH action plans created by the participants were implemented in their own countries and included public discussions, campaigning and further research into climate change and how we can lessen our own environmental impact. 12 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Environmental Youth Programmes ECO-Choices The ECO-Choices programme is an innovative health and well-being programme that utilises environmental education, education for sustainable development and peer education methods as a resource for positive personal development in young people to prevent the misuse of drugs. In 2015, 499 young people participated in the programme through 347 workshops, trainings & events that ECO-UNESCO delivered. ECO-Youth Choices Foundation potential through educational, fun and interactive activities in outdoor settings such as woodlands and Programme beaches. Outdoor education is used as a tool to empower young people by connecting them with their The programme encourages the positive physical natural environment. 12 outdoor education days were and mental wellbeing of young people, building the delivered to 188 young people including excursions to capacity of young people to make positive life choices the Barnaslingan Wood, Bull Island, Howth Head and and to live a more sustainable and positive lifestyle. Bray Head. It aims to channel the energy of young people into positive action; empowering them to improve and protect themselves, others and their environment. ECO-UNESCO delivered this 10-12 week programme to Accredited Training young people across the Dublin area. In 2015 ECO-UNESCO delivered two ECO-Youth Choices Community Participation FETAC L3 modules to 39 young Peer Education people from communities along the Long Mile Road and Darndale. Through this course, participants gained The ECO-Youth Choices Peer Education training works knowledge of local community development both in to empower young people to become peer educators theory and practice. Through the workshops they further for change in their communities. In 2015 a group from developed their practical life skills including problem Drimnagh Castle focused on Energy and looked to solving, critical and relational thinking, decision making/ reduce the amount of energy in their school through consequence learning and self-awareness. They also peer education workshops. Kilmore Youthreach felt that JDLQHGIDFLOLWDWLRQVNLOOVDQGFRQÀGHQFHWKURXJKWKH water usage was the biggest issue in their community, peer education training and facilitation aspect of the so they took on the task of developing a garden that programme. would retain water from rain fall and then use this water in the future to water the plants. Outdoor Education Through the ECO-choices programme, ECO-UNESCO offers young people the opportunity to explore their natural environmental and to develop their own Supported by Young Peoples Facilities & 6HUYLFHV)XQG &'<6% DQG'HSDUWPHQW for Children and Youth Affairs 13 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Education and Training more than 500 people attended 500+ our training courses 2x Sustainable Development Level 5: 47 47 participants 3x Ecology and the Environment Level 6: 3x Community 72 72 participants Development Level 3: 66 66 young people 3x Work Experience Level 5: 4x Outdoor Vegetable 72 72 participants Production Level 3: 48 48 participants 2x Peer Education for Sustainable [*URZLQJ Development Vegetables Level 4: Level 5 31 participants 38 38 participants 31 As Ireland’s leading provider of environmental, sustainability and youth training, ECO-UNESCO provides personal and continuous professional development to a wide range of stakeholders. In 2015 a series of training courses have been delivered throughout the year, from accredited training on different topics such as Sustainable Development and Growing Vegetables, to teacher and leaders training and courses for young people. QQI Accredited Training provider ECO-Sustainability Award In 2015 the delivery of the North West Healthy Living The ECO-Sustainability Award aims to encourage Programme was also completed, by delivering a number youth and community organisations to become more RIFRXUVHVLQ2XWGRRU9HJHWDEOH&URS3URGXFWLRQ /HYHO sustainable by providing organisations with training, DQG*URZLQJ9HJHWDEOHV /HYHO LQGLIIHUHQWORFDWLRQV on-going support and a practical toolkit based on the in Donegal and Tyrone. Participants of these courses 6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW*RDOVDQG&RPKDU·V3ULQFLSOHV acquired practical skills on how to grow vegetables as of Sustainable Development. well as knowledge and understanding of links between growing methods and environmental impacts. The ECO-Sustainability Award Programme is a great opportunity for youth and community organisations to Training courses aimed at providing youth leaders, be recognised for not only their environmental initiatives teachers and volunteers working with young people but all the positive actions they take around celebrating were also run on a number of occasions. The courses diversity, respecting cultural heritage, building global enabled participants to encourage critical thinking and connections and promoting democratic decision-making. broader environmental awareness with young people and provided them with increased understanding of the In 2015 six organisations enrolled in the programme in importance of the natural environment as a platform for 2015, including: Rehab Care Bray; Rehab Care Stillorgan; empowering young people. Finglas Youth Service; Donabate Youth Café; Scouting ,UHODQG 7KH*URZ'RPH3URMHFW5HKDE&DUH6WLOORUJDQ was awarded the Silver Award in May 2015 and the 7UDLQLQJFRXUVHVDLPHGVSHFLÀFDOO\WR\RXQJSHRSOH remaining 5 organisations are progressing to achieve were also facilitated in 2015. These include Community awards in the future. 'HYHORSPHQW )(7$&/HYHO ZKLFKZDVFRPSOHWHG by more than 60 young people from Drimnagh Castle school and Kylemore Youthreach; and Peer Education IRU6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW )(7$&/HYHO 14 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Education and Training Youth Employabilty Programme ECO-UNESCO continued to build on the success of the Green Pathways I programme, with 3 Green Pathways II programmes running during 2015. The Green Pathways programme, funded by the Momentum Initiative, is an integrated employability programme which comprises QQI/FETAC accredited training courses, ongoing employment support, work experience and one-to-one mentoring. The Green Pathways programme helps to tackle youth unemployment by providing a stepping stone to employment or higher education. Pathway to Employment At the end of the three modules participants gained skills in critical thinking, team work and increased their *UHHQ3DWKZD\VLVDZHHNIXOOWLPHSURJUDPPHZLWK knowledge and understanding of current global issues FETAC accredited training; a hands on work placement and sustainability. Furthermore, they have grown in providing a ‘foot in the door’ to potential employers; an FRQÀGHQFHDQGKDYHUDLVHGVHOIHVWHHPIRUPDQ\ applied learning project; 1-to-1 mentoring; ongoing and the programme has proved key in their own personal post-delivery supports including jobs clubs. Accredited development and guiding them towards the next step 7UDLQLQJPRGXOHVLQFOXGH :RUN([SHULHQFH )(7$& in their career. 64% completed the programme and / 6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW )(7$&/ (FRORJ\LQ to date 38% of participants progressed onto either WKH(QYLURQPHQW )(7$&/ DQGPRWLYDWLRQDOWUDLQLQJ employment or further education. provided. 7KH*UHHQDQG&LUFXODU(FRQRP\LVDQLQFUHDVLQJO\ important and emerging job space which is opening up employment opportunities in a number of areas. Improving employability The training provided will allow participants take up employment in positions such as gardeners, In 2015 72 job-seeking young people, primarily from horticulturists, ecologists, environmental consultants, socially and economically disadvantaged areas with SURMHFWRIÀFHUVDVZHOODVRWKHUVSHFLDOLVWVLQWKH many being early school leavers, have attended three green economy. PRGXOHV (FRORJ\DQGWKH(QYLURQPHQW )(7$&/HYHO 6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW )(7$&/HYHO DQG:RUN ([SHULHQFH )(7$&/HYHO “Green Pathways and the ECO-UNESCO team has done more than help me get a job, they allowed me to start my own Empowering young people pathway to a professional career, and for that I will always 2QH\RXQJSHUVRQ ZKRFRPSOHWHG*UHHQ Pathways in 2015 had been seeking employment be grateful” since 2009 prior to the course. As a result of the course they secured an Internship at an organisation they had dreamed of working at, but previously had no relevant skills that would have secured a job there. When the Internship came to an end after 6 months they were delighted to be offered a full-time paid contract by the employer. Supported by the MOMENTUM Initiative 15 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Communications & Representation 137 3,589 print articles website sessions 2,214 366 Facebook likes tweets JURZWK Publications external events. We also produce a monthly database to go out to our database of Supporters. In 2015, ECO-UNESCO continued to develop its range of publications. Many of these were free and were made Events available to young people, educators and youth leaders via the ECO-UNESCO website. Some of the published As part of the 2015 outreach programme, ECO-UNESCO highlights from 2015 include: attended a number of events and conferences including; Bloom, Body and Soul, Electric Picnic, One • YEA 2015 Finalist booklet contains the summaries of World Week, Ploughing Championships, Teachers the top 80 youth environmental projects. Association and Association Conference; NYCI • ECO-UNESCO Newsletter 2015-16 was published &RQIHUHQFH ,'($&RQIHUHQFH 81(6&2*OREDO$FWLRQ and distributed to ECO-UNESCO members, schools, Programme Meetings. youth centres and libraries across the country, providing information on ECO-UNESCO. Representation & Advocacy • ECO-UNESCO also produced and distributed a range of information and marketing material to accompany In 2015, ECO-UNESCO continued its engagement with a our programmes and services and raise awareness of range of national and international bodies. In particular environmental and sustainability issues in our work. LQLWWRRNSDUWLQWKH*(1(UHYLHZRI'HYHORSPHQW education in Ireland and in the subsequent IDEA run task Media & Public Relations groups on Formal education, non-formal education and adult and community education. ECO-UNESCO continued to have a strong media presence in 2015. ECO-UNESCO events received ECO-UNESCO was represented on a number of substantial coverage in both regional and national committees and boards including; media including, print, TV and radio. RTÉ Young People’s • The Environmental Protection Agency Programming continued its link with ECO-UNESCO Advisory Committee; covering a piece on the Young Environmentalist Awards. • The National Advisory Committee on ESD ECO-UNESCO’s work was further promoted through a 'HSDUWPHQWRI(GXFDWLRQDQG6NLOOV • ZLGHUDQJHRIPDJD]LQHVHQHZVOHWWHUVH[WHUQDOZHEVLWHV 7KH1DWLRQDO4XDOLW\6WDQGDUGV7UDLQLQJ7DVN*URXS and event guides throughout the year with a focus on the 'HSDUWPHQWRI&KLOGUHQDQG 16 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 UNESCO and International Work UNESCO Global Action Programme University Educators for Sustainable Development In 2015, ECO-UNESCO was invited to be a Key Strategic 3DUWQHURI81(6&2IRUWKHLPSOHPHQWDWLRQRIWKH*OREDO ECO-UNESCO continued to work with universities across $FWLRQ3URJUDPPH *$3 LQ(6'LQ.H\3ULRULW\$FWLRQ Europe on the University Educators for Sustainable 4 – Empowering and Mobilising young people. This was 'HYHORSPHQW 8(6' ,QWKHIRFXVRI8(6'LVWR alongside 80 other organisations internationally and 13 develop resources on ESD and professional development ZLWKLQWKH3ULRULW\$FWLRQ1HWZRUN7KH*$3KDVEHHQ in higher education. The publication showcased case LGHQWLÀHGDVDNH\PHFKDQLVPIRUWKHLPSOHPHQWDWLRQRI VWXGLHVLGHQWLÀHGDVOHDGLQJSUDFWLFHGXULQJWKHPDSSLQJ WKH816XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW*RDOV exercise and the online platform including key information and materials from ECO-UNESCO and all UE4SD partner ECO-UNESCO attended a partner meeting in Paris to institutions as well as resources developed by external discuss and elaborate an initial workplan for each Partner organisations. Network, including key implementation milestones; DQGGHÀQHZLWKLQHDFK3DUWQHU1HWZRUNUHVSRQVLELOLWLHV coordination and working methods. ECO-UNESCO KDVFRPPLWWHGWRWKHDFKLHYHPHQWRIWKH*$3JRDOV through its Young Environmentalist Awards and Youth for 11 Sustainable Development programmes. 13 4 Event to celebrate GAP and the launch of the SDGs 5 2 On October 1st 2015, the Youth for Sustainable 'HYHORSPHQW*URXSKHOSHGWRRUJDQLVH(&281(6&2·V event to celebrate the launch of the Sustainable 'HYHORSPHQW*RDOVDQG81(6&2·VQHZ*OREDO$FWLRQ Programme in Education for Sustainable Development. )LYHRIWKH6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW*RDOVWKDWPRVW impact the environment and biodiversity of the world were discussed. Over 60 young people attended and were guided through this exploration using various methodologies, which empowered the participants to take action on these goals. Northern Ireland ECO-UNESCO is committed to working with young people across the island of Ireland. In 2015 ECO-UNESCO worked closely with environmental and youth organisations to deliver workshops and trainings as well as shared strategies for providing environmental education in Northern Ireland. In YEA 2015, 235 young people from four counties in Northern Ireland participated in the programme and 17 Adult Leaders were trained. The Ulster ECO-Den was supported by Craigavon Borough Council, Co. Antrim. There is also a network of active ECO-Clubs in Northern Ireland – 13 in Antrim, 5 in Armagh; 11 in Derry; 2 in Down, and 4 in Tyrone. Elaine Nevin, National Director, attending UNESCO Global Action Programme meeting 17 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Collaborative Work Throughout 2015, ECO-UNESCO continued to develop links and partnerships with agencies, organisations and businesses to provide environmental education, youth programmes and teacher and leader trainings in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. ECO-UNESCO actively engaged on an ongoing basis with young people, youth leaders, educators, external organisations and other key target groups. This engagement included collaborative work, focus groups and surveys to ensure that all ECO-UNESCO programmes remained responsive to the needs of young people in particular, as well as the general environmental, educational and youth sectors. A sample of our collaborative work from 2015 includes: National Quality Standards Framework for • Collaborative work with institutions including Local Youth Work Authorities, National Libraries and schools throughout ECO-UNESCO continues to implement the National the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, 4XDOLW\6WDQGDUGV)UDPHZRUNIRU National Youth Council Ireland (NYCI) Local Authorities ECO-UNESCO is represented at NYCI on a formal level including the board; ECO-UNESCO is Chair of the ECO-UNESCO works with Local Authorities nationwide specialist organisation network and other formal through funding from the Environmental Partnership advisory groups. Fund. The fund allows ECO-UNESCO to work with FRPPXQLWLHVIXOÀOOLQJLPSRUWDQWDVSHFWVRIWKH/RFDO Agenda 21 remit. ECO-UNESCO builds the capacity Youthreach of young people, teachers and leaders to address environmental issues. In addition, through the YEA a number of Local Authorities supported the regional ECO-UNESCO further developed its links with Youthreach ECO-Dens through sponsorship, venue sponsorship as in 2015 in order to provide training to early school well as representation on the judging panels. leavers. In particular ECO-UNESCO provided the ¶,QWURGXFWLRQWR6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW· )(7$&/ WR at risk young people who completed fourteen training sessions held over a three-month period. ECO-Dens supported by Local Authorities Creative Recycling workshop with South Dublin County Council, October 2015 18 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 Funding ECO-UNESCO is funded by a variety of agencies contributing to both the overall development of the organisation DQGSURMHFWVSHFLÀFZRUN,Q(&281(6&2FRQWLQXHGWRLQFUHDVHIXQGLQJE\FROODERUDWLQJZLWKQDWLRQDODQG European funding bodies. ECO-UNESCO also acknowledges the support of all members and participants. ECO-UNESCO’s main core funding comes from: ECO-UNESCO received funding from: • Environmental Protection Agency • Local Authorities nationwide under the Environmental Partnership Fund, Anti-Litter fund and ECO-Dens support. • Solas • Irish Aid • ECO-UNESCO also receives funding through membership fees, consultancy, resource sales and ECO-services. • Erasmus+ through Leargas • Accenture • ,ULVK$LG:RUOG:LVH*OREDO6FKRROV Our Audited Accounts for 2015 are available to download from our website www.ecounesco.ie *RYHUQDQFH ECO-UNESCO is governed by a voluntary board of Directors made up of members to ensure a good gender balance, good diversity and appropriate skills in adopted areas to assist with policy development. In 2015, ECO-UNESCO elected a new Chairperson. There were 7 Board meetings with special committee meetings held of the Audit, Risk and Finance VXEFRPPLWWHHDQGWKH+5VXEFRPPLWWHH7KH$*0WRRNSODFHLQ6HSWHPEHU7KHRUJDQLVDWLRQDOVRVLJQHG XSWRLPSOHPHQWWKH*RYHUQDQFH&RGHDQGLVZRUNLQJWRLPSOHPHQWWKLV(&281(6&2DUHVLJQHGXSWRWKH'RFKiV &RGHRI&RQGXFWRQ,PDJHVDQG0HVVDJHV$SSURSULDWHÀQDQFLDOSROLFLHVDQGSURFHGXUHVFRPSO\LQJZLWKVWDWXWRU\ requirements are in place and ECO-UNESCO’s audited accounts are available on our website. &KDLU 0DUN%HQQHWWXSWR6HSWHPEHUUG .DUHQ)XUORQJIURPUG6HSWHPEHU 7UHDVXUHU 7RP0F*RYHUQ &RPSDQ\6HFUHWDU\ -DPLH&XGGHQ &KDLURI$XGLW5LVNDQG)LQDQFH6XE&RPPLWWHH 7RP0F*RYHUQ &KDLURI+5 Subcommittee: Jamie Cudden. CEO: Elaine Nevin 19 ECO-UNESCO Annual Report 2015 *UHHQ3DWKZD\VVWXGHQWV Victoria College Belfast at the Ulster ECO-Den Youth for Sustainable Development group at Youth for Sustainable Development group taking Climate march, October 2015 part in a mock COP21 event Young Environmentalist Awards 2015 Overall Junior Winners: Young people from Scoil Mhuire gan Smál for WKHLUSURMHFW´%ODUQH\%DWV%DEHVµ$ZDUGSUHVHQWHGE\ (ODLQH1HYLQ 1DWLRQDO'LUHFWRURI(&281(6&2 3URIHVVRU3DWULFN0F.HHYHU 81(6&23DULV DQG0DUN%HQQHWW &KDLUSHUVRQRI(&281(6&2 20 ECO-UNESCO 9 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland T: +353 (0)1 662 5491 F: +353 (0)1 6625493 E: [email protected] W: www.ecounesco.ie ECO-UNESCO @ECOUNESCO Ecounesco ECO-UNESCO is supported by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with support from the National Lottery Fund. ECO-UNESCO is part-funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment through the Irish Environmental Network ECO-UNESCO is a registered Irish charity no. CHY 7225