ESD
CEMASTEA as a National Resource Center of excellence in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Introduction
Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) was established as National resource centre for implementing ESD programmes by Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2015. Since 2017, CEMASTEA has been on the frontline in implementing the National ESD policy for the Education sector developed in collaboration with UNESCO which is the United Nation’s global lead agency for Education for Sustainable Development. CEMASTEA has particularly focused on transforming learning and training environments using the “whole school approach” which empowers teachers and learners with knowledge and skills to enable them adopt sustainable living practices both at school and even at home.
Since the inception of ESD program, the Center has organized various ESD workshops 876 stakeholders ranging from Education managers and Stakeholders, CEMASTEA staff, head teachers and teachers of both primary schools and secondary schools as well as STEM Model schools. These trainings have all been geared towards Integrating ESD principles into learning curriculum through implementation of ESD projects in schools. The ESD projects empower learners with skills and knowledge to be innovative and problem solvers. Its envisaged that the knowledge and skills acquired will enable the students to become self- reliant ant contribute positively community development where they live.
CEMASTEA being a resource centre has implemented some ESD projects that are used to capacity build teachers. It has trained teachers and sensitized stakeholders in education who have supported schools to undertake ESD projects that address climate change, food security, energy, solid waste management, water management, environment conservation among others.
Projects implemented in CEMASTEA
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FOCAL AREA |
DESCRIPTION/ACTIVITIES |
OUTPUT /INDICATORS |
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Training and advocacy Training and |
ESD workshops and trainings provided to various stakeholders across the education sector Greening schools program. CEMASTEA has empowered schools to enhance tree planting activities with the purpose of contributing to the national efforts of at least 10% tree cover for the country by 2022. Schools have also been sensitized on biogas as an alternative energy source |
876 stakeholders trained since program inception, Over 40,087 tree seedlings have been planted and survived in various beneficiary schools. 7 schools have operational biogas plants while 1 is under construction and nearing completion |
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Schools visit program where one of the objectives is to expose learners to the concepts and principles of ESD to enable them adopt sustainable living practices. |
Many groups of visiting schools introduced to the concepts and principles of ESD |
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Climate Change mitigation and adaptation
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Propagation of trees and fruit seedlings e.g. Bamboo, Gravelia, cypress, Thika palm, Eucalyptus, Avocados for planting by both staff and visitors |
Prepares over 1558 seedlings |
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Nursery preparation and planting the seedlings |
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Waste water treatment and Recycling Plant as a climate change adaptation measure |
Recycles 60,000 liters of waste water per day lowering the cost of water by ksh. 8000 per day |
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Waste management and pollution control |
Separation of solid wastes which allows for composing of organic waste which includes dry leaves and grass |
Produces some composite manure for vegetable growing and seedlings propagation |
| Food security |
Demonstration farm using soil and water conservation measures to produce Bananas Herbs, Fruits Vegetables, avocadoes, mangoes |
Crops produced supplement orders from the Hospitality department |
Strategies used to increase ESD project Implementation
- Sensitization of school leadership and teachers.
- Definition clearly the role of teachers, learners, school community and other school stakeholders.
- Use of technologies (Whatsapp, emails, sms) to document and share milestones each school is making.
- Organize sharing of success stories during INSET and stakeholders workshops.
Outcomes of the ESD interventions in schools
- Integrating ESD projects have enhanced teaching and learning for both teachers and learners.
- Learners acquire 21st Century skills such as: Problem solving, Creative and innovative thinking, Collaboration & communication
- Learners have been able to develop Knowledge, Skills & Values
- Promoted environmental conservation.
- Has promoted concept understanding & compliment classroom learning.
- Enhanced skills acquisition: 21st Century skills (Communication & Collaboration, Critical thinking & Problem solving skills, Creativity & Innovation, Digital literatures.
- Promoted research in the schools.
- Promoted greater school and local community inter-linkages and collaboration.
- Serve as environmental resource center within the region where the school is located
The report compiled by:
Benjamin M. Kilonzo (Coordinator, ESD)
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More Documents on links below:
ESD Projects in CEMASTEA and Schools
ESD Policy for Education Sector
