Posted on marzo, 09 2017

On 21^st February 2017, Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School received the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, a globally recognized award for excellence in environmental education, from the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE). As the Eco-Schools Programme representative in Thailand, WWF-Thailand presented the award to certify that the school has reached the global standard for effective environmental management. Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School is the first school in Thailand to be honored with this award.

The Eco-Schools Programme encourages young people to engage with their environment by giving them the opportunity to actively protect it. It starts in the classroom, then it expands to the school and eventually fosters change in the community at large. Through this programme, young people experience a sense of achievement from having a say in the environmental management policies of their schools, ultimately steering them towards certification and the prestige that comes with being awarded a Green Flag. The Eco-Schools Programme is an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the environment in both the school and the local community while at the same time having a life-long positive impact on the lives of young people, their families, school staff and local authorities.

The Bangkok Prep Eco Team started three years ago, when members of the Student Council expressed concern over rubbish found on the playing fields, which led them to learn about environmental management and environmental education. Every environmental activity in the schools is thought up and carried out by the Eco Team and their friends.

“The Eco-Schools programme is fantastic because it is not about bombarding students with information or buying solar panels and recycling bins. Effective environmental education is about participation and encouraging young people to take action. This is how genuine change occurs.” says Bangkok Prep Eco School Coordinator Kris Leverton.

For the Bangkok Prep Eco Team, this is not the end, but rather the beginning. They have many more projects planned to help raise awareness and encourage participation in environmental education in Bangkok.