Three of our school teachers had a unique experience as they attended an Environmental Education seminar held in Dublin from July 7 to July 12, 2025. Specifically, the teachers Chrysi Angelidou (Chemistry), Eirini Arnaouti (English Language), and Margarita Toulatou (Physics) participated in the seminar titled “Environmental Education: Learning and Acting for a Better Future”, organized by the Europass Teacher Academy. The aim was the professional development of the participants (from Greece, Spain, Italy, and Hungary) in topics related to sustainability, climate change, and sustainable development.
Initially, each team representing their school presented their country and city of origin and briefly described their school’s unique characteristics, such as its curriculum, student level, and various school activities. They also shared some biographical details and the subjects they teach. This allowed the teams to get to know one another and become familiar with the culture and education systems of the different countries.
In the days that followed, various topics relevant to the seminar objectives were explored both theoretically and practically, through hands-on group activities. These activities took place both in the classroom and outdoors.
Topics covered included:
- The three pillars of sustainability:
People – Planet – Profit
The goal is always to find a balance and pace of development that leads to the best possible outcome. The use of three words starting with the same letter helps younger students memorize them more easily.
- Plastics: An in-depth look at their properties, uses, advantages, and disadvantages, along with video screenings, interactive activities, discussions, and exchanges of views.
- Fast Fashion: Countries of production, materials used, and working conditions.
Exploration of the website Good On You, which categorizes fashion products based on the quality of materials and production methods. - Outdoor plants and birds: Identification using digital tools such as Picture This – Plant Identifier and Merlin Bird ID.
- Biodiversity: Discussion following a relevant video.
- Low carbon footprint transportation methods.
- Soil and food: Choosing raw materials, preparation, and preferences based on age groups and country of residence.
- Digital tools for identifying the carbon footprint of various countries as well as our individual footprint, depending on our habits (results mostly showed a very high footprint!).
- Recycling and Creative Reuse (Upcycling): A hands-on workshop.
Alongside the progression of lessons and activities, events such as a food fair featuring dishes from the participating countries, Irish dance lessons, and a walking tour of Dublin’s main attractions took place.
On Friday, July 11, 2025, a visit took place to a sustainable development farm in Dublin (www.airfield.ie), where both animal and plant products are produced using environmentally friendly methods and without harmful chemicals. It was a wonderful visit that provided a showcase of the implementation of our theoretical educational experience.
It should be noted that the seminar activities were primarily designed to lead to the acquisition of new ideas and practices, depending on the subject taught, which allows for the integration of environmental education into the learning process. This offers students the opportunity and example of a different vision for their future—one with fewer dangers and more joys. Also significant is the interaction with colleagues from other European countries, and the exchange of ideas and experiences, which opens the door for potential future collaborations.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the excursions and visits conducted in and around Dublin added extra value to this experience—offering insights into the cultural, historical, and political landmarks of Ireland. Visiting restaurants and pubs in Dublin revealed aspects of the locals’ mindset, habits, and everyday life. Finally, the contact with landscapes and areas of outstanding natural beauty left us with a hopeful and optimistic impression on our journey home.