by: Pamela Nelbie P. Color
Teacher II, Taykin Elementary School
Liliw Sub-Office, SDO Laguna
Teaching our elementary students to be environmental stewards is essential, given the drastic change in the global climate and the frightening rate of environmental deterioration. Encouraging children to participate in the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) could be a beneficial way to start them off early in knowing and caring for the environment. This will have an enduring effect on their behavior and attitude toward sustainability.
As an important platform for student actions and movements aimed at preserving, YES-O is a school-based co-curricular group which aids in promoting, and protecting the environment for future generations. It provides elementary students with valuable learning experiences related to environmental awareness and stewardship. Thus, it is a must that we encourage their participation in this organization.
Our young students can be introduced to a variety of environmental problems and solutions through YES-O, giving them the tools, they need to take initiative and change the world. Students can learn about important environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss as well as workable solutions. If these topics are integrated into our students’ everyday lives, they will not only gain a deeper comprehension of these problems but also acquire the kind of values and attitudes toward environmental preservation that are necessary to promote responsible citizenship down the road.
Through YES-O, sustainable activities like appropriate waste management, energy saving, and tree planting can be incorporated into the school curriculum, giving kids the chance to put what they’ve learned into practice and understand the consequences of their actions. Typically, youth participation in environmental initiatives involves action without much research or reflection. However, with YES-O, youth may participate in both action and reflection, which can result in more significant and long-lasting change.
Gearing these young learners to become leaders who have the knowledge, skills, and mindset to tackle environmental challenges is crucial. Our world desperately needs them to step up and lead the charge in building a sustainable future. By fostering collaboration between peers and engaging with the community, YES-O prepares students not only to understand their local environment but also to participate actively in its preservation.
Letting our elementary learners join YES-O can be a game-changer in cultivating a generation of young stewards who are passionate about protecting our planet. By participating in community service projects, environmental campaigns, and decision-making processes, they will develop a sense of agency and ownership, empowering them to be the change we wish to see in the world.
As educators, it is our responsibility to help our students become stewards of the environment and instill in them the values, knowledge, and skills needed to create a more sustainable future. For them to advocate for environmental protection and be part of the solution, we must encourage to become active members of YES-O and make environmental stewardship a fundamental part of their education.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that while participating in this program is important, it is not enough. We must also ensure that environmental education is seamlessly integrated into the overall curriculum, so that our students can develop a holistic understanding and appreciation for the natural world. We only have one planet, and it is our duty to safeguard it for generations to come by developing young environmental stewards today.
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