May 30, 2013 Damian Indij Damasia Ezcurra “Water Education in Schools: a holistic approach based on Integrated Water Resources Management to meet Educational Goals”

Content 1.Introduction 2.Theoretical Foundations 4.Methodology 5. Achievements 6. Lessons learnt 7. Conclusions

1. Introduction

This paper proposes an approach to address the challenge of water education while representing an opportunity to enrich the overall education of students and strengthen school planning and integration amongst subjects, teachers, and their communities. IWRM principles lead the way for a transdisciplinary and transversal incorporation of water education in schools.

2. Theoretical Foundations

Educational approach and main pillars guiding the programme: - whole school approach to sustainability; - integrated water resources management principles; - focus on a positive view; - project based learning; -value and recognise available knowledge from teachers; -don´t transfer the environmental responsibility into schools; - students empowerment.

4. Methodology

Objective To facilitate the development of ESD and IWRM education in schools through practices and contents that schools can integrate within their annual planning, orientated to foster lifelong learning, networking and the integral education of the student.

Implementation “Sustainable Schools” Training Cycle

2 Whole - day Training Sessions Whole-school workshop sensitizing the faculty to participate in the project. First Half-day Support Session - School Environmental Review - Establishing the Eco-committee at school Second Half- day Support Session - Eco Code at school - Beginning to plan the environmental Project Third Half- day Support Session - Portfolio documenting actions - Final Project Closure Event Showcase of Educational Projects Contest Winners´ Announcement Specialists Panel

5. Achievements

4904 students participated directly and family groups were sensitized 23 projects implemented within each institution Teachers shared an acquired knowledge with a total of 280 colleagues 73 participants representing 27 schools and educational organizations

Identification of key persons in schools Training cycle versus ad-hoc workshop Projects according to the contexts of each institution Institutional support Effective communication 6.Lessons learnt

Purpose of 5th Symposium Thank you for your attention. Damian Indij LA-WETnet Manager Latin America Water Education & Training Network DamasiaEzcurra EFS Programme Universidad de San Andrés