Nowadays we are living in a critical time in history where we cannot ignore the topics of climate change and environmental sustainability. Because the consequences of the state of the environment will be mainly faced by future generations, it is essential that teachers learn how to bring these matters into the classroom. At the same time, it is even more important to address them in ways that encourage a sense of possibility and change rather than despair.
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Noua ediție a cursului “Competențe ecologice pentru educație: promovarea conștientizării mediului și a acțiunilor sustenabile în sala de clasă” a avut loc în Bologna from 17/08/2025 to 23/08/2025. The participants came from two different countries: Vânia, Paula and Jorge from Agrupamento de Escolas de Almodôvar in Portugal, and Markus and Camilla from Malmö Montessoriskola in Sweden.
The week began by exploring what is meant by Green Skills and why they are so vital in today’s society. Participants reflected on the vocabulary connected with sustainability and discussed how concepts such as sustainable development can be introduced in schools. 

A central theme of the course was the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In groups, participants focused on the seven SDGs most closely related to environmental sustainability, linking each activity of the week to one or more of these goals. This made it clear how every small classroom action can contribute to the bigger global objectives.
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Throughout the course, the group engaged in a variety of activities that encouraged reflection on global warming, carbon footprint, tipping points, consumerism, and the importance of everyday choices. By experiencing these activities first-hand, the teachers discovered how even small steps can inspire students to act more responsibly and contribute to long-term change.
Two days of the programme were dedicated to non-formal methods for teaching climate change. The participants practiced activități în aer liber that can foster a stronger connection with nature and used creative methods such as storytelling and project-based learning to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. These strategies are particularly powerful in helping young people move from abstract knowledge about the climate crisis to concrete actions in their daily lives.

Technology also played an important role. The course included the use of ICT tools that can enhance lessons, increase engagement, and reduce waste, thus connecting sustainable practices with digital innovation. Participants discovered how interactive platforms can make students more involved while supporting greener approaches to teaching.
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One of the most enriching aspects of the week was the exchange of best practices. Teachers from Portugal and Sweden shared their own experiences in promoting sustainability in schools and drew inspiration from each other’s projects. The group discussions created a space of collaboration where ideas could be adapted to fit different school contexts and cultural settings.
By the end of the week, the participants left Bologna with fresh knowledge, practical tools, and above all, a stronger motivation to integrate sustainability into their teaching. They gained strategies to empower their students, encourage awareness, and show that building a greener future is not only necessary but possible. With smiles, new insights, and plenty of ideas, they returned to their schools ready to make a difference.
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