Environmental Education History

The GCI Environmental Education Progamme includes and promotes:

an expansion of environmental awareness through unique non-formal education projects
training the trainers to expand awareness and to build problem solving skills
facilitating access and exchange of resources and know-how
a decentralized structure allowing a variety of projects tailored to local needs
action at the grass-roots level enhanced by international expertise and know-how

Green Cross International is strengthening forms of non-formal environmental education within the following areas:

Ecological Battalions in the Bolivian Army
In agreement with the Bolivian Army, Green Cross Bolivia is already training and educating 400 army officials who will then in turn train up to 20´000 soldiers every six months. As materials are developed within three Bolivian ecosystems, there is an emphasis not only on what the soldiers learn, but also on how they can initiate and encourage involvement of the local civilians in specific actions for resource protection.

An Environmental School for Young Adults in Argentina
A three year specialized environmental school for students aged 18 - 25 years offers Argentinean youth the opportunity to take environmentally focused courses on a voluntary basis. Courses including theoretical and practical trainings are held after public schooling hours and during summer vacation. The students also participate in field-work retreats to study local and regional resources.

Women and Waste Management in Hungary
Green Cross Hungary is organizing conferences, and action-orientated workshops concerning the everyday actions women can take to improve social waste management. Women learn how to reduce waste production through changing purchasing habits, reusing and recycling.

Education through Entertainment in the USA
Encouraging leading Hollywood directors, producers, writers and other performing artists to incorporate environmental themes into entertainment is an effective way to reach millions of people. Cooperating with the Environmental Media Association and Global Green USA, GCI promotes the use of film, television and music as a persuasive channel to inform audiences about living environmentally responsible lives.

Facilitating Access by Connecting Trainers in Russia

(The FACT Network)
The FACT Network is an environmental education resource center in Moscow linked by electronic mail to regional centers dispersed throughout Russia. The purpose of FACT is to effectively connect environmental educators by providing a reliable means of communication. Thanks to this network, even teachers in rural areas will have the opportunity to use and exchange both existing and new environmental education materials. ÿ