Countdown to 2020
Countdown to 2020
Everyone playing their part…..
In collective efforts, Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) and SolarAid, this week saw clusters of the teachers involved in the Scotland Lights up Malawi project come together for Professional Learning. The purpose of the sessions, spread across Scotland, over a week, was to provide the teachers with a deeper understanding of energy (including renewable), climate change, climate justice and SolarAid’s work. The 2020 Climate Group was invited along and I had the privilege of attending the Glasgow and Perth sessions.
Like any classroom or training room at the start of any new session the teacher sessions started off very quiet, whilst the participants got a feel for their surroundings and fellow teachers.
Grace (from SolarAid) seamlessly delivered the Sunny Money material in an interactive and interesting way, providing her colleagues on the ground with many thought-provoking and challenging ways to engage children in the class room. The discussion was around how to encourage children to think of the effects of our energy use and climate change on the world and in particular those most disadvantaged. I can assure you it was not long before the passion, intrigue and voices of the participants became louder and louder. Which must be a good sign, right?
The programme, developed by KSB through Eco-Schools Scotland, is exciting, informative and engaging. As part of this, we were given the opportunity to share more about where the 2020 Climate Group and the project has come from - this was not only welcomed but a very valuable experience. I am not sure if you agree but, I believe knowing where you come from, helps establish why you are where you are and do what you do… each affirming your purpose. Here’s what some of the teachers said after their workshop:
“Enjoyed learning more about the 2020 Climate Group and what their aim is.”
“Lots of information and resources available for my school. Engaging activities that will transfer into schools.”
“Excellent session. Very inspired to try some of the activities at school and try to build a campaign.”
I can say I have come away motivated and enriched. It has been a delight to work more closely with our fellow delivery partners and it has not only helped make the whole project even more tangible but has given me a greater appreciation for the roles and skills each of the partners are bringing to the table.
It brings home the value and beauty of working in collaboration once more, we each bring our own skill-set, ability, passion and drive to our specific areas but collectively play our part to help impact the lives whether its here in Scotland or Malawi.
In the reality of the 2020 Climate Group’s part in fundraising I am delighted to say we are just over £325,000 into our £400,000 target. I know I will incorporate the experience and encouragement of this week into the exciting fundraising plans ahead and look forward to celebrating and sharing with you the achievements still to come as they unfold.
My thanks go out to everyone playing their part to help make Scotland Lights up Malawi a reality!
Finally, if you would like to give towards Scotland Lights up Malawi – TEXT to donate to: ‘SCOT20 £10’ to 70070
Author: Ruth Milliken