GES has been urged to reintroduce Environmental Studies as a stand-alone subject in the school curriculum, as the need for environmental education becomes more urgent in a world where sustainability is increasingly important.
The recommendation, made by Hilde Opoku, the Co-Founder of the Centre for Sustainable Transformation (CeST), emphasizes the importance of aligning Ghana’s education system with global sustainability goals. This move is seen as an essential step to empower students to be environmentally conscious and better prepare them for a future in a green economy.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the 10th anniversary celebration and workshop for students at the Economic Sustainability Schools (Eco-Schools) at Akosombo, Mrs. Opoku stressed the need for a dedicated subject focusing on environmental issues. She acknowledged the current integration of environmental topics within the subject “Our World, Our People,” but argued that a stand-alone Environmental Studies curriculum would offer students a more focused and in-depth learning experience.
Topics such as ecosystems, waste management, renewable energy, and sustainability would be better explored in a dedicated subject, thus providing students with a holistic understanding of the environment and the skills required for a sustainable future.
Environmental Studies as a stand-alone subject would not only align Ghana’s educational curriculum with international sustainability targets but also equip students with the tools to become proactive environmental stewards. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution continue to threaten the planet, fostering awareness and responsible actions among young people is key. The recommendation is a response to the growing recognition that education plays a fundamental role in driving the change needed to tackle these global challenges.
The Eco-Schools programme, which serves as a part of the broader Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiative, celebrates its 10-year journey of transforming educational approaches toward sustainability. The theme for this anniversary event, “Celebrating 10 years of education for sustainable development: Where do we go from here?” underscores the need for continuous reflection and evolution in how education can address the complex challenges of today’s world.
According to Mrs. Opoku, ESD is about integrating sustainable development into all aspects of education, urging countries worldwide to reform their educational systems and teaching practices to prioritize environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
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Through the Eco-Schools programme, students are not only exposed to theoretical knowledge about sustainability but also gain practical skills through hands-on learning. Mrs. Opoku highlighted that the essence of ESD and Eco-Schools lies in empowering students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to make a difference in their communities and beyond. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, ensuring that students are not only aware of sustainability issues but are also equipped to act on them.
Furthermore, ESD emphasizes an equitable approach to sustainability, ensuring that all sectors of society are included in the transition towards a greener future. From curriculum development to school policies, program implementation, and financial strategies, ESD touches every aspect of education. Mrs. Opoku called for a more structured approach to incorporating Education for Sustainable Development across schools in Ghana, noting that while CeST has been the leading organization in this field, more coordinated efforts are needed to fully integrate sustainability into the country’s educational system.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the Eco-Schools programme, the Asuogyaman Director of Education, Augustina Adjoa Owusu, praised the student-led projects on climate change, waste management, and biodiversity, which were showcased at the workshop. She noted that these projects were not only providing valuable knowledge but also empowering students to contribute to sustainable development now and in the future.
The Headmistress of the Akosombo International School, Sarah Adei, in her opening remarks, highlighted the remarkable success of the Eco-Schools programme over the past decade. The initiative, she said, has redefined education by encouraging students to engage with their environment meaningfully. By offering a platform for students to develop practical solutions for environmental challenges, Eco-Schools have fostered a sense of responsibility and leadership that will benefit communities for generations to come.
As Ghana looks to the future, the reintroduction of Environmental Studies as a stand-alone subject within the national curriculum could be a pivotal step towards achieving the country’s sustainable development goals. It would not only provide students with the necessary tools to understand the world’s pressing environmental issues but also inspire them to be active agents of change.
With continued support for initiatives like Eco-Schools, Ghana can nurture a generation of young people who are not only knowledgeable about sustainability but also equipped to drive the green economy forward. By integrating sustainability deeply into the education system, Ghana can empower its students to become leaders in the global movement toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
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