Raising climate awareness in Erzsébetváros educational institutions
The following programs are being implemented in educational institutions:
1.Climate protection talks in upper primary school grades
Commissioned by the Climate Protection and Sustainability Cabinet, two awareness-raising short films were made for upper-primary school children.
The 10-minute short films build on each other and present the topic of climate change to children in an entertaining way, with spectacular visuals. The first part paints a picture of the future set in Budapest in 2100, foreshadowing what may await the population if we live our everyday lives by our ingrained bad habits and ignore today’s warning signs. Unbearable summer heat, shortages in grocery stores and dying animal species appear in the animations, accompanied by easy-to-understand, sometimes humorous explanations from teacher Tamás Csörnök, co-creator of the Különóra YouTube channel. The film also clarifies basic concepts such as climate and weather, the heat island effect and greenhouse gases, and discusses the melting of the ice caps and its indirect effects on Hungarian, and in particular Budapest, society.
Watch the first part here: https://youtu.be/4Jm_G3aAEvo
The second part offers solutions for stopping, or at least slowing down, climate change, since at every age, including childhood, we face decisions where our choices can count in favor of climate protection. In this short film we show situations that affect every child in Erzsébetváros and on which they can have some influence – for example, when shopping with their parents they can make sure to use a canvas bag, or choose a snack made from ingredients that preferably don’t come from far away. The video also touches on carbon dioxide emissions from car traffic and heating in the city, and on alternative choices.
Watch the second part here: https://youtu.be/rpyyjDmwjLA
We showed the short films to classes at several Erzsébetváros primary schools as part of our “Climate Lesson” program. Between and after the two films we had interesting conversations with the children about climate change, and we wrapped up by completing a quiz on the topic. In our experience, the children received the new information with interest and enthusiasm, many shared their opinions on the topic, and we also received positive feedback from teachers. Depending on the pandemic situation, in some schools the subject teacher held the climate lesson using our short films and quiz.
We plan to continue holding climate lessons in 2022.
2.Climate protection sessions in kindergartens and lower primary school grades
Erzsébetváros kindergarten children could take part in sessions by the Bábozd Zöldre Association: the eco story corner presenting the climate-conscious fairy-tale world of Mimó and Csipek, and sessions introducing the importance of green spaces. The Association regularly led kindergarten groups on the fairy-tale trail on Almássy tér.
The Felelős Gasztrohős Foundation held sessions promoting climate-friendly eating and shopping in Erzsébetváros kindergartens and primary schools.
3.Climate protection photo, video and drawing competition.
We announced a photo, video and drawing competition for primary school students on the central theme of how they imagine their future from a climate protection perspective.
4.Theater performance on sustainability
The Társalkotó Association held 5 performances for primary school groups at the Bethlen Téri Theater.
