News

"Earth Academy- ESG Youth Leadership Training" - Following the successful completion of the first pilot programme in 2024, the new programme for 2025 is now officially launched.

Tour Fees: No Charge    Programme Introduction: https://tinyurl.com/38smyvra    Registration: https://tinyurl.com/22rh234x

***【2024 Pilot Programme Review】***

Program Overview

To raise awareness among Hong Kong youth about climate change and sustainable development, Friends of the Earth (HK) launched the flagship project "Earth Academy", and organized the first "Earth Academy - ESG Youth Leadership Training" 2024 Pilot Programme in collaboration with the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK). This programme selected the Greater Bay Area as its first pilot site, aiming to enhance knowledge exchange in technology and education between Hong Kong and Mainland China through an understanding of local advanced low-carbon technologies, and developed innovative educational materials for sustainable development, providing future educators in Hong Kong with valuable opportunities for exploration, innovation, and practical experience, thereby driving innovation and reform in sustainable development education.

Data Highlights

• 40 student representatives (from SES, EdUHK) participated in the "Earth Academy - ESG Youth Leadership Training" 2024 Pilot Programme.
• 120 primary and secondary school students participated in the GREEN STEAM experimental classes.
• 100% of participating student representatives and accompanying teachers expressed satisfaction with the project, affirming its effectiveness in raising youth awareness of climate issues.

Event Highlights and Achievements

Innovative Journey in Sustainable Development Education with Rich Experiential Learning:

On 19-20 October 2024, Friends of the Earth (HK) and the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) led 40 student representatives on a field trip to the Biosphere 3 - Dameisha Vanke Center Carbon Neutral Experimental Zone. Through visits to the low-carbon green building, electrochemical energy storage and photovoltaic facilities, and black soldier fly resource recycling systems, student representatives explored climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while gaining insights into Earth’s ecosystems and low-carbon green practises for future educational reforms.

Creation of "GREEN STEAM" Teaching Kit with an Interdisciplinary Perspective:

Following the field trip, student representatives participated in the "GREEN STEAM Co-Learning Workshop" and worked in groups to formulate innovative teaching material proposals that integrated environmental protection with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) elements. The student representatives expressed that the programme not only deepened their understanding of global zero-carbon solutions and trends in addressing climate change but also provided opportunities for expansive thinking and hands-on practice, drawing teaching insights from real low-carbon cases while maintaining a broad perspective.

Widespread Attention from Hong Kong media & Unique Green Experience Sharing:

The "Earth Academy" project received widespread attention from Hong Kong media, with three outstanding students invited by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to the radio programme "Green TEEN Work" to share their learning experiences from the ESG Youth Leadership Training and insights on creating the teaching material proposals integrated environmental and STEAM elements.

GREEN STEAM Experimental Classes Bringing Innovative Ideas to Life:

In November 2024, ten outstanding student representatives were assigned as "Earth Academy" teachers to teach over 120 primary school students at St. Stephen's College Preparatory School. They incorporated environmental protection and STEAM elements into the curriculum by guiding the primary students to design and create "insect hotels" using recycled bamboo and plastic bottles, integrating knowledge of climate change and carbon sequestration into their teaching. This activity not only heightened the primary students' awareness of sustainable development goals but also allowed the "Earth Academy" teachers to practise the spirit of ESG leadership. Additionally, seven outstanding student representatives served as "Earth Academy" teachers to conduct environmental education courses at Cheng Chek Chee Secondary School, leading the secondary students to analyze environmental issues and challenges through poster creation and group presentations, fostering their environmental consciousness and cultivating a global perspective.

Award Ceremony and Achievement Sharing Session: Advancing ESG Talent Development and Quality Education:

The Award Ceremony cum Sharing Session concluded successfully on 9 December 2024 at The Education University of Hong Kong. Award-winning students openly shared their experiences and reflections from their field trip in sustainable development education and the GREEN STEAM experimental classes. Many students expressed that participating in the training program made them feel a sense of "change" and strengthened their aspirations for a future in education.

Highlights Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvuFADhs5rs

***【New Launch for 2025 Programme】***

To continue promoting educational innovation and activities at the Earth Academy, the Friends of the Earth (HK) is partnering again this year with the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES), as well as the Center for Environmental and Sustainable Development (CESD) at the Education University of Hong Kong to launch the "Earth Academy - ESG Youth Leadership Training" 2025 Programme. This programme has received over HKD 1 million in funding from a foundation supporting climate change mitigation efforts to expand field trips and exchange activities, enhance the development of GREEN STEAM teaching materials and resources, and broaden the scholarship programme to encourage more participants.

Programme Introduction: https://tinyurl.com/38smyvra

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