Today, we are living in a critical moment in history where the issues of climate change and environmental sustainability can no longer be ignored. Since it is the younger generations who will bear the greatest consequences of the current environmental crisis, it is essential for teachers to bring these topics into the classroom. Even more importantly, educators must learn how to approach them in a way that inspires action and hope, fostering a sense of possibility and responsibility rather than fear or despair.

This new course “Competências ecológicas para a educação: promover a sensibilização ambiental e ações sustentáveis na sala de aula”, took place in Tenerife from17/08/2025 to 23/08/2025, with 12 participants from 3 different countries: Ellen from Kindersprachbrücke Jena e.V. in Germany, Sara, Ilaria, Valerio  and Anna from NIA in Italy, Zselyke from HLW FSB Weiz in Hungary, Valentina from Liceo Lanfranconi in Italy,  Alfonso, Laura,  Cosetta, Alberto and  Maria Chiara  from IC 2 e 4 Vicenza em Itália.

At the beginning of the week, we focused on what are considered Habilidades Verdes and why they are so vital in today’s society. On the first day, participants reflected on the key terms that make up the green vocabulary, exploring the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. The following day, attention turned to the issue of greenwashing. Through hands-on research, participants investigated brands from their own countries, learning to distinguish truly sustainable products from those misleadingly advertised as “green.”

Another key focus of the week was the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants worked in groups to explore the seven goals directly related to environmental sustainability. They also discovered that every activity, game, and theoretical session throughout the course was intentionally linked to different SDGs, highlighting the practical ways these global objectives can be integrated into educational settings.
Participants had the opportunity to experience first-hand how small actions can make a meaningful difference, as well as explore strategies to engage both young students and adults in sustainable development. The activities prompted reflection on key issues such as global warming, carbon footprints, tipping points, consumerism, and other aspects of climate change.
Participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand how small actions can make a meaningful difference, as well as explore strategies to engage both young students and adults in sustainable development. The activities prompted reflection on key issues such as global warming, carbon footprints, tipping points, consumerism, and other aspects of climate change.

Two days of the course focused on using non-formal methods to discuss environmental topics. Participants practiced outdoor activities designed to foster a deeper appreciation for nature, explored techniques to boost creativity and engagement, and applied Project-Based Learning as a practical tool to help students develop a gA key aspect of the course was the use of ICT tools to support activities, allowing teachers to increase student engagement while also reducing waste as part of everyday green practices.

One of the most rewarding elements of the course was the sharing of best practices. Participants had the opportunity to present their own sustainability initiatives and gain inspiration from the projects and activities of their peers. By the end of the week, our participants left Tenerife with big smiles, a wealth of new knowledge, and hearts full of meaningful experiences and  greener mindset.

​Saiba mais sobre este curso aqui ​