tara na! magjeepgy tayo! a whole school approach to ... · god upon the church, where the life of...
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Tara na! MagJEEPGY tayo!
A Whole School Approach to
Communion with Nature
Donna Paz T. Reyes, Ph.D.
Miriam College
Communion with Nature = Communion with God
I. Towards a new lifestyle
Since the market tends to promote extreme consumerism in an effort to sell its products, people can easily get caught up in a whirlwind of needless buying and spending.
Obsession with a consumerist lifestyle, above all when few people are capable of maintaining it, can only lead to violence and mutual destruction.
A change in lifestyle could bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield political, economic and social power. This is what consumer movements accomplish by boycotting certain products.
Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life”.148
II. Educating for the covenant between humanity and the environment
Many people know that our current progress and the mere amassing of things and pleasures are not enough to give meaning and joy to the human heart, yet they feel unable to give up what the market sets before them.
We are faced with an educational challenge.
Goals of ecological education Environmental education has broadened its goals.
Whereas in the beginning it was mainly centred on scientific information, consciousness-raising and the prevention of environmental risks, it tends now to include a critique of the “myths” of a modernity grounded in a utilitarian mindset (individualism, unlimited progress, competition, consumerism, the unregulated market).
It seeks also to restore the various levels of ecological equilibrium, establishing harmony within ourselves, with others, with nature and other living creatures, and with God.
Environmental education should facilitate making the leap towards the transcendent which gives ecological ethics its deepest meaning. It needs educators capable of developing an ethics of ecology, and helping people, through effective pedagogy, to grow in solidarity, responsibility and compassionate care.
Ecological citizenship
Education in environmental responsibility can encourage ways of acting which directly and significantly affect the world around us, such as avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights, or any number of other practices.
We must not think that these efforts are not going to change the world. They benefit society, often unbeknown to us, for they call forth a goodness which, albeit unseen, inevitably tends to spread. Furthermore, such actions can restore our sense of self-esteem; they can enable us to live more fully and to feel that life on earth is worthwhile. 212
Ecological education can take place in a variety of settings: at school, in families, in the media, in catechesis and elsewhere. Good education plants seeds when we are young, and these continue to bear fruit throughout life.
In the face of the so-called culture of death, the family is the heart of the culture of life”.1
In this regard, “the relationship between a good aesthetic education and the maintenance of a healthy environment cannot be overlooked”.
By learning to see and appreciate beauty, we learn to reject self-interested pragmatism. If someone has not learned to stop and admire something beautiful, we should not be surprised if he or she treats everything as an object to be used and abused without scruple.
III. Ecological conversion
The rich heritage of Christian spirituality, the fruit of twenty centuries of personal and communal experience, has a precious contribution to make to the renewal of humanity.
an ecological spirituality grounded in the convictions of our faith
an “interior impulse which encourages, motivates, nourishes and gives meaning to our individual and communal activity”.151
Interior conversion Admittedly, Christians have not always appropriated
and developed the spiritual treasures bestowed by God upon the Church, where the life of the spirit is not dissociated from the body or from nature or from worldly realities, but lived in and with them, in communion with all that surrounds us.
“The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast”.152 For this reason, the ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion.
So what they all need is an “ecological conversion”, whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.
In calling to mind the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi, we come to realize that a healthy relationship with creation is one dimension of overall personal conversion
To achieve such reconciliation, we must examine our lives and acknowledge the ways in which we have harmed God’s creation through our actions and our failure to act. We need to experience a conversion, or change of heart
Social problems must be addressed by community networks and not simply by the sum of individual good deeds.
The ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.
Conversion
It also entails a loving awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion.
an ecological conversion can inspire us to greater creativity and enthusiasm in resolving the world’s problems
Conversion
sublime fraternity with all creation
which Saint Francis of Assisi embodied
IV. Joy and peace
Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption.
“less is more”
spiritually detached from what we possess
V. Civic and political love
We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it. We have had enough of immorality and the mockery of ethics, goodness, faith and honesty. It is time to acknowledge that light-hearted superficiality has done us no good. When the foundations of social life are corroded, what ensues are battles over conflicting interests, new forms of violence and brutality, and obstacles to the growth of a genuine culture of care for the environment. 229
Saint Therese of Lisieux invites us to practise the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship. An integral ecology is also made up of simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness. In the end, a world of exacerbated consumption is at the same time a world which mistreats life in all its forms. 230
Social love
Love for society and commitment to the common good are outstanding expressions of a charity which affects not only relationships between individuals but also “macro-relationships, social, economic and political ones”.156 That is why the Church set before the world the ideal of a “civilization of love”.157
In this framework, along with the importance of little everyday gestures, social love moves us to devise larger strategies to halt environmental degradation and to encourage a “culture of care” which permeates all of society.
Society is also enriched by a countless array of organizations which
work to promote the common good and to defend the environment, whether natural or urban. Some, for example, show concern for a public place (a building, a fountain, an abandoned monument, a landscape, a square), and strive to protect, restore, improve or beautify it as something belonging to everyone. Around these community actions, relationships develop or are recovered and a new social fabric emerges. These actions cultivate a shared identity, with a story which can be remembered and handed on. In this way, the world, and the quality of life of the poorest, are cared for, with a sense of solidarity which is at the same time aware that we live in a common home which God has entrusted to us. These community actions, when they express self-giving love, can also become intense spiritual experiences. 232
Chapter VI Ecological Education and Spirituality
This basic awareness would enable the development of new convictions, attitudes and forms of life. A great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal.
VII. Sacramental signs and the celebration of rest
The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s face.
to discover God in all things.
VIII. Queen of all creation
Mary is the Woman, “clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev 12:1).
Carried up into heaven, she is the Mother and Queen of all creation.
IX. Beyond the sun
At the end, we will find ourselves face to face with the infinite beauty of God (cf. 1 Cor 13:12), and be able to read with admiration and happiness the mystery of the universe, which with us will share in unending plenitude.
Jesus says: “I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).
God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give him our all, offers us the light and the strength needed to continue on our way.
Education
about the environment
in the environment
for the environment
Environmental education
The goals of environmental education are:
to foster clear awareness of, and concern about, economic, social, political, and ecological interdependence in urban and rural areas;
to provide every person with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, commitment, and skills needed to protect and improve the environment;
to create new patterns of behavior of individuals, groups, and society as a whole towards the environment.
Environmental education objectives:
Awareness Knowledge
Attitudes Skills Participation
Tbilisi Declaration (1977)
Rich in natural resources (biodiversity, minerals, water)
Vulnerable to climate change – extreme weather conditions
High population growth
Unequal distribution of wealth - poverty
The context of ecological education in the Philippines
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
Clean Air Act
Clean Water Act
Convention on Biological Diversity
National Integrated Protected Area Systems Act
Climate Change Act
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act
Environmental Laws
Section 7. Capacity-Building. - The DepEd, CHED and TESDA, in coordination with the DENR and other relevant agencies, shall undertake capacity-building programs nationwide such as trainings, seminars, workshops on environmental education, development and production of environmental education materials, and teacher-education courses and related livelihood programs.
RA 9512
Dark Green School
Policy and administration
Campus practices Curriculum development
Outreach and extension
The Whole School Approach
The Dark Green Schools Project of the Environmental
Education Network of the Philippines will standardize
and accredit for different
LEVELS OF GREENNESS.
MIRIAM COLLEGE
a pioneer in ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION A Dark Green School by EENP
Eco-friendly School- NCR 2013
I. Policy and Administration: • Vision-Mission • Goals • Objectives • Institutional Programs • Policies • Practices • Finance • Procurement
Institutionalizes environment al care in school operations
Transcends administrative appointments
Vision and Mission Statement
Core values:
4 K’s – Katotohanan (Truth)
Katarungan (Justice)
Kapayapaan (Peace)
Kalikasan (Integrity of creation)
Institutional programs
I. Miriam College Policy: Institutional commitment
MC Environmental Policies: Embedding environmental ethics is school programs
Integration of 7 Environmental Principles in the curriculum
MakiTIPS Program – Tipid, Impok, Punan, Sinop
(Conservation program, Institutional shutdown)
Ecological Solid Waste Management
No smoking, Anti- smoke belching
No idling
No soft drinks
No balloons
No styrofoam
Controlled use of aircon
Rally against GMOs
GMO free cafeteria
Environmental Studies Institute
Integration of environmental concerns and practices in campus operations
Infrastructure
Gardens and grounds
“The campus is a venue of learning”
II. Maintenance and Operations Towards a Green Campus
Green campus The campus must reflect environmental principles.
Systematic greening of campus
Environmental management
Ecological solid waste management
Green architecture and design
MC Living Museum
Campus greening for food sustainability School in a Garden
Science Garden, Mollie’s Garden
Vermiculture
Fragrance Garden
bangkal
bignay
anahaw
Doña Aurora
molave
malunggay santol bulak banaba Indian Rubber Tree fern tree bayabas
atis
agoho
kape
rambutan
acacia talisay duhat kawayan Palawan Cherry
Planting indigenous trees in the campus
Siar Tree
Zebra Dove
Brown Shrike
Ecological Solid Waste Management Program
MC Curriculum
1. Integration/infusion in existing curriculum
Approach: 7 Environmental Principles integrated in basic curriculum in
every level – Kindergarten, Grade School, High School, College/university, Graduate School
every subject area – Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education, Art, languages, etc.
1. Nature knows best. Ang kailkasan ang mas nakakaalam 2. All forms of life are important. Lahat ng may buhay ay mahalaga. 3. Everything is connected to everything else. Ang lahat ay magka-ugnay 4. Everything changes. Ang lahat ay nagbabago. 5. Everything goes somewhere. Lahat ay may patutunguhan. 6. Ours is a finite earth. Ang kalikasan ay may hangganan. 7. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. Maganda ang kalikasan at tayo tagapangasiwa ng linikha ng Diyos.
7 Environmental Principles
Yet I experienced sometimes that the most sweet and tender, the
most innocent and encouraging society may be found in any
natural object, even for the poor misanthrope and most
melancholy man. There can be no very black melancholy to him
who lives in the midst of nature and has his senses still.
- Thoreau
The global challenge of restoring the Earth and humanity in the face of climate change
Ethical imperative:
2. a common subject offering at tertiary level
A course offering common to all university courses and taken by all tertiary level students (MC 101, MC 201)
New GE curriculum: Environmental science, Science Technology and Society
Curriculum:
EE courses
Curriculum: Training environmental professionals
3. Formal Tertiary Environmental Programs
BS Environmental Planning and Management (5-year
ladderized program with Masters in Environmental Planning)
MS Environmental Management and Studies
Ph.D. Environmental Management and Studies
Annual Environment Week Celebration
Think Green for Business Students
Project: Masustasyang pagkain. Swak sa budget
Feast day of St. Francis Of Assisi
Thesis on:
Feasibility of LPG Jeepney
Rainwater Harvesting
Non-motorized Trail Connecting Quezon City, Marikina and Pasig
* Waste Minimization Program for a Coffee Shop
* Coffee Production as an Alternative Livelihood Program for Laiban
RESEARCH
National Service Training Program
Beyond community immersion
to action that benefits the community and environment
Leaders in
Service
COMPETENCE CARING
Miriam Spirituality
Thinking and Integration Competency
Personal and Social Awareness and Responsibility
Program Implementation Competency
Communication Competency
Community and
Society
OUTCOMES OF MIRIAM COLLEGE EDUCATION
Source: Miriam College Service Learning Program
Development of materials for teachers
Lessons exemplar and modules
Environmental library
Training of new teachers
Orientation of new teachers
Annual faculty updates
Capacity-building of teachers: a multiplier effect
Miriam-P.E.A.C.E. (Public Education and Awareness Campaign for the Environment)
IV. Outreach and extension programs Towards community involvement and multistakeholder participation
EE can be incorporated in outreach and extension programs in:
Immediate community - urban
Watersheds and protected areas
Focusing on poor and marginalized communities and sectors e.g. communities living in and around protected areas, tricycle drivers
Policy reform
Environmental education
-
Watershed Management SOUTHERN SIERRA MADRE WILDLIFE CENTER
(SSMWC) is a 25-year project of Miriam College to reforest and
develop 180 has. of land in Brgy. Laiban, Tanay, Rizal within the Kaliwa Watershed, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- REFORESTATION in DRT, Biak
na Bato and Tanay, Rizal
Scholars for
• Elementary • High School • College
Tanay Scholars
2009 elementary graduate- current high school scholar
Values seminar for scholars and parents
Subject Service Learning Project
Leisure and Tourism Ecotourism Projects
Environmental Planning and Management
Environmental Guidelines in Ecotourism
Botany Medicinal Plants
Childhood Education Instructional Materials from Indigenous Materials
Project Development Feasibility of Coffee Production/Ube Production
NSTP Solid Waste Management
Service Learning Projects with the Southern Sierra Madre Wildlife Center Project
CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES
Program Activities and Key
Results
training Social investigation
AQMonitoring
Bio-monitoring
mapping
Program Activities and Key Results IEC & SOCIAL MARKETING ACTIVITIES -
Air Care Festival
Search for Low
Tech AQM Fora
Clean Vehicle Show
Kite Making Concert Clean Air Camps
Project Greenway
•Radyo Kalikasan •Weekly radio program on the environment •DWBL 1242 KHz 8-9am every Sunday •On its 23rd year of radio broadcasting
Community based Environmental Management and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management with Quezon City Barangay Officials • In cooperation with the Barangay Operations Center
of Quezon City • 12 batches involving over 500 punong barangays and
kagawads • Multi-disciplinary: Science, International Studies,
Center for Peace Education, Business • Faculty and student engagement
FOOD AND WATER Going Pinoy Vegan
Pinoy Raw Diet
TRANSPORATION Carpooling
Walking and non-motorized transportation
New Technologies – E-Dyip and Hybrids
HOME DESIGN Pinoy Low-Carbon Living – Bahay-Kubo Culture
Ecological Waste Management
CARBON OFFSET Ethical Pinoy Consumerism
Rainforestation Technology
Pinoy Backyard Gardening
Developing Resilient Persons Project Funded by UBCHEA SY 2015-2016
• Teaching pedagogy
• Develop student and teacher modules
on the integration of resilient persons in the HEU curriculum
Characteristics of Resilient persons A. Self 1. Adaptability 2. Strong Faith/Spirituality 3.Optimism 4. Resourcefulness 5. Integrity 6. Presence of mind
B. Others 7. Compassion 8. Transcendence 9. Responsiveness 10. sense of responsibility
Networking and Advocacy: representation in various decision-making bodies, advocacy and professional groups
Partnership for Clean Air NCR Airshed Board Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and
Sustainable Economy Philippine Network of Environmental Educators Protected Area Management Board (Kaliwa Watershed,
Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, Masungi Rock
Akyon Klima San Juan River Water Quality Management Board Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation Philippine Network of Environmental Education Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Students: traditional Christmas party from MC community donations
Student /faculty volunteers: INSA, NSRC,
PTC involvement
Alumni: South Supermarket, Alumni Batch ‘61, ‘85, ’59
Fund raisers: Fun Run (Run Forest Run 2012), cards and poster contest
Student debut in Laiban
Positive Responses
A prayer for our earth All-powerful God,
you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good,
advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
Let tHE WORLD be as BEAUTIFUL
as that WHICH the CREATOR gave US
WITH the EDUCATION to keep it so.
