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 out these matters inside the classroom. Moreover, it is even more important to learn how to address these topics, encouraging a sense of possibility of change rather than despair.
The recent course, “Green Skills for Education: Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Actions in the Classroom,” was held in Palermo from 08/09/2025 to 13/09/2025. Among the international cohort were Andrea-Beatrice Drasztyl și Timea-Ilona Ferenți, representing Colegiul “Csiky Gergely” in Arad, România, alongside two participants from Finlanda. This dynamic program brought together educators committed to integrating sustainability and environmental responsibility into their teaching practice.
At the beginning of the week, we focused on what are Competențe ecologice and why they are vital in nowadays society. During the first day the goal was to reflect on the words that make up the green vocabulary and this is why we also discussed the concept of Sustenabilitate și sustainable development. The participants delved into the green vocabulary, reflecting on key terms and unpacking the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. 
​Building on this foundation, the following session addressed the issue of greenwashing, equipping participants with practical tools to distinguish between genuinely sustainable brands and those that misleadingly market themselves as environmentally friendly. Through independent research, attendees analyzed products from their home countries, fostering both awareness and critical thinking around sustainability.
Another central theme of the week was the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through collaborative group discussions, the participants examined the seven SDGs most closely linked to environmental sustainability and discovered how each session, whether a practical activity, interactive game, or theoretical presentation, was intentionally aligned with specific SDGs.
Another central theme of the week was the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through collaborative group discussions, the participants examined the seven SDGs most closely linked to environmental sustainability and discovered how each session, whether a practical activity, interactive game, or theoretical presentation, was intentionally aligned with specific SDGs.
These hands-on experiences offered participants practical ways to initiate change, beginning with small, impactful steps. They explored effective strategies for engaging both young learners and adults in sustainable actions. Throughout the course, activities encouraged deep reflection on topics such as global warming, carbon footprint, tipping points, consumerism, and the broader challenges of schimbările climatice, culminating in a dynamic wrap-up using a random wheel tool to connect their learning across all SDGs discussed.
Two days of the course were devoted to exploring non-formal approaches for addressing climate change in the classroom. Participants engaged in outdoor activities designed to instill a deeper appreciation for nature among students, as well as techniques to spark creativity and engagement. Învățarea bazată pe proiecte was highlighted as a powerful method for nurturing a green mindset and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
​A notable feature of the training was the integration of ICT tools to enhance participation while supporting environmentally conscious practices, such as reducing paper waste. Throughout these sessions, participants also developed skills in gândirea critică, debate, and recognizing greenwashing, culminating in interactive wrap-ups using platforms like Baamboozle. The course emphasized the 5Rs which are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle, as guiding principles for sustainable teaching and learning.
One of the most enriching aspects of the course was the vibrant exchange of best practices. Participants had the opportunity to share their own experiences in advancing sustainability and to draw inspiration from projects and activities implemented by colleagues across different educational contexts. This collaborative atmosphere fostered a supportive community eager to innovate and adopt new ideas.
​Wrap-up activities such as a word map, outdoor sessions, and interactive tools like Dixit cards helped participants reflect on key insights, from understanding climate tipping points to recognizing climate heroes in their communities.
By the end of the week, participants departed with new knowledge, fresh enthusiasm, and hearts full of meaningful experiences, evidenced by the big smiles as they bid farewell to Palermo.
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