Mobilizing environmental organizations in schools
By: SHeILaMae P. MaYonILa
With all of the recent issues circulating online about the continued worsening of global warming and deterioration of the Earth, I could not help myself but to be alarmed and involved. As a concerned citizen and an educator, I know that the field of education has to be and always will be a vessel for teaching the youth to nurture and preserve the environment. I then deeply realized the essence of Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) and other environmental advocate groups across campuses and universities. Since the pandemic began, I feel that they are less mobilized, given the current medium and modality that we have. Yet, I know that those environmental organizations are not only significant during tree planting and parenting, but also in ensuring that the students are aware, educated, and involved in protecting our home planet.
Although the efforts of the Department of Education and Local School Boards are plausible in facilitating gulayan or vegetable orchards in schools or even in the respective backyard of the students. The problem at hand is grave, which requires more proactive and sustainable solutions. I remembered YES-O as one of the primary organizations alongside the Supreme Student Government in facilitating sustainable projects and organizing innovative programs in schools. It includes, recycling of plastic bottles through “Shoot a Bottle” in a net or trash bin, environment camps, clean up drives in the school premises and vicinity, and most especially tree planting activities.
Aside from that, since we are currently in the distance learning modality, it is best if schools could organize environmental symposia and seminars or training in each barangay or locality. In this manner, the students are updated about the current environmental situation and problems that we have, which allows them to develop innovative and sustainable solutions at their own homes and communities. They will also feel the urgency of this matter, and be involved in the decision-making process, and enhance critical thinking as well as social and environmental awareness. It is beyond doubt that the youth is the hope of our future, but what future will we give to them if we cannot preserve and protect our home at the present.(