‘ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION NOW FOR A BETTER FUTURE’

CONCEPT

Children comprise twenty per cent of the population, but are one hundred percent of our future. The eThekwini Youth Environmental Conference (EYEC) aims to increase children’s understanding of environmental issues by providing an opportunity to build new and lasting friendships between children from different communities, as well as provide student-centred learning to bring about a cultural change in the way we perceive our natural environments.

EYEC also aims to develop children who are motivated, have high self esteem and respect for others. Using a peer learning system, the EYEC will provide learners with knowledge and skills in environmental education, but more importantly it will build learners who are optimistic, have a sense of future, are capable public speakers and can communicate ideas in many different forms.

THEME

The United Nations has declared 2005-2015 as the International Decade for Action.   The Ahemebad Declaration 2007: A Call to Action which was developed at the 4th International Conference on Environmental Education states that “….through education, human lifestyles can be achieved that support the ecological integrity, economic and social justice, sustainable livelihoods and respect for all…” and that “… through our actions we add substance and vigour to the quest for sustainable living.  With creativity and imagination we need to rethink and change values we live by, the choices we make, and the actions we take.”  The conference also the launched the concept of the “Handprint” with a call to “Increase your handprint. Decrease your footprint”

In keeping with this, the EYEC 2009 will use the theme “ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION NOW FOR A BETTER FUTURE”.

EYEC 2009 will highlight how important it is for this generation to take action by accepting environmental responsibility by exchanging ideas and adopting a “green” way of life thus providing the next generation with a safer, healthier environment, EYEC 2009 will awaken the sense of place and a realisation that wise environmental management of their place will ultimately have an impact on our planet future generations.

Sub-themes

• Healthy Environment, Healthy People: building a safer future for all

• Taking Action for a Better Environment
• “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change”

Students will use the above themes to design presentations and workshops, which they will present to other young people at the Conference. Each participant is required to provide a short write-up of his/her presentation or workshop as part of the requirements. Students may want to use this opportunity to highlight a particular project in which their school has been involved; express an opinion on a particular issue or conduct a workshop / presentation where the sole purpose may be to impart knowledge on a particular area of interest. The best submissions relating to the themes of the Conference will be selected for presentation to delegates during the event.

DETAILS

The EYEC will involve learners from schools within the eThekwini Municipal Area, presenting workshops / presentations.

Date:  26-27 AUGUST 2009

• Day 1: 26 August 2009              Presentations from Grades 4 – 7
• Day 2: 27 August 2009               Presentations from Grades 8 – 10             

Learners must be:

• In Grades 4-7 to participate in Day 1 (26 August 2009) of the EYEC.
• In Grades 8-10 to participate in Day 2 (27 August 2009) of the EYEC.
• Nominated by a school or a community group.
• Interested in environmental issues and actively involved in environmental projects
• Accompanied by an adult delegate or guardian (Educators are encouraged to accompany their learners)

Chaperone Delegate (Educator) must be:

• Nominated by school or community group.
• Interested in environmental issues

The aim of the conference is to encourage learners to be environmentally aware, to be actively involved in environmental projects in their schools or communities, and to develop presentation skills. The emphasis is on participation, rather than competition. However, worthwhile work will be acknowledged and rewarded.

There are different categories that may be entered for the EYEC:

1. Oral Presentation Category – schools / community groups may enter two workshops / presentations per grade only.
2. Static (Poster) Presentation Category – schools / community groups may enter two workshops / presentations per grade only.

Requirements for Categories 1 & 2:

• A workshop / presentation may only be entered into one category.
• Workshop / presentation themes must fall in line with the main Conference theme “Environmental Action NOW for a better future”, as well as sub-themes, Healthy Environment, Healthy People, Taking Action for  a better Environment and “Your Planet Needs You”
• Workshops / Presentations must be validated by the Project Leader (educator / principal, community leader)
• Learners may work in groups (maximum 4 people) or individually.
• Presentations at the Conference should be both easy to follow and interesting to the audience.
• The OBJECTIVES of the workshop / presentation should be stated clearly and briefly.
• Visual aids should be clear and uncluttered. They should assist the verbal explanation, and not be a substitute for it.
• Presentations should be interactive with the audience, using a wide range of presentation techniques (i.e. not just Power Point – but singing, acting, quizzes, drawing, art etc.)
• Oral Presentations should be no longer than 10 minutes. Presentations longer than 10 minutes will be disqualified.
• Static (Poster) Presentations – one poster, no larger than A1 may be entered for a particular group. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Please complete the application form and return before 24 JULY 2009. There are a designated number of delegates for each ward within the eThekwini Municipal Area. Applicants will be notified by 31 JULY 2009 whether or not they have been selected.

Please return the application form to:

eThekwini Youth Environmental Conference 2009

C/O Sunita Doodhnath

E-mail: sunita.doodhnath@umgeni.co.za

Tel:              (031) 268 7160/3              

Fax:              (031) 262 8543

Cell:              083 287 8175

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