We intended to produce and educational model in each of the participating countries, during the two year project that would ensure an appropriate set of innovating and effective teaching and learning to learn strategies for secondary students that would improve with at least 15%, the knowledge, skills and awareness specific to their own impact, their schools impact and that of the wider community”s impact on climate change and environmental issues. We used the partnership as a stimulus for furthering the sustainability of our schools” communities by involving other important decision makers from the community like the mayor, members of the town”s/city council and members of local NGOs dealing with environmental issues. We developed better independent learning skills like resilience, resourcefulness, reflection, reasoning, responsibility, teamwork. We lowered the carbon footprint of partner schools through active involvement in practical activities of students and teachers. We created one optional course about environmental education as part of the school curriculum in Romania because the school rules allowed this, but all partners contributed to the creation of the ”A Short Guide To Teaching Sustainability”, a multilingual product
Climate change is affecting all of us and therefore we needed to take steps in order to educate our students and raise awareness into this phenomenon. All the actions and outcomes of this project raised awareness and supported changes into our schools and communities through new, practical, creative and innovative activities. All participants benefited from the exchange of good practices with their peers from partner schools and countries, thus improving the schools” curriculum using inovative learning to learn strategies that led to better learning outcomes and the prevention of early school leaving. There was a real potential for students to research into these issues and in the process to develop basic skills, ICT skills, Mathematical and Science skills, etc.The issues related to environmental education and the effects of climate change not only in schools, but also in everyday life, were brought into focus to the local authorities, giving them the possibility to get actively involved as well. While we can”t reverse the damage, we can make changes to slow things down, reduce our impact here on Earth and create a more sustainable future for all.