Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2024, Acquisition International | 5 Best Sustainability Educational Programmes NPO 2024 - New Zealand hile distinct programmes, Te Aho Tū Roa and Enviroschools share common fundamentals. Children, young people and communities are supported to connect with the whenua (land), each other and their histories. By sharing diverse ideas and collaboratively designing and taking action, participants are developing skills and hands-on experience to rethink how we live, redesign systems and be leaders in their communities. Te Aho Tu Roa is a creative, intergenerational network weaving current actions with ancestral knowledge through the medium of Māori language. A hands-on approach to learning ensures young people are engaged. Connection with the natural environment and the traditional knowledge of their ancestors, strengthens identity and belonging. Key to the approach is working in meaningful partnerships with local iwi and hapu (tribal groupings). Enviroschools is a nationwide network of early learning centres and schools committed to a sustainable future. Through Enviroschools children and young people plan, design and implement environmental projects as part of their learning. Students are transforming the look and feel of their schools and acting as catalysts for wider change in their households, neighbourhoods, on local farms, in local businesses and in all types of ecosystems. Both programmes are guided by indigenous perspectives, knowledge and wisdoms. Manaakitanga, a Māori concept encompassing caring for each other and all things in our world, is a core aspect of the learning and action. Both are facilitated by dedicated and highly skilled teams working locally alongside participants. These local roles are proven as the key success factor for the programmes. They provide participants with advice and inspiration, and link them to expertise and opportunities in their wider communities. Many outcomes emerge from Toimata’s holistic approach. Environmental outcomes include ecosystem regeneration, improved biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and waste reduction. Just as important are social and cultural outcomes. These include, increased social connections across communities, intergenerational relationships, people valuing and respecting cultural diversity, greater student engagement in learning, and communities gaining sovereignty over their kai (food), wai (water) and whenua. With the increase in destructive weather events, Toimata programmes are supporting participants in the emergency response and development of recovery skills. In a 2021 global research project, The Lancet found 59% of young people were ‘extremely worried’ about climate change. Toimata staff say that one of their most important roles is to support hope. This comment from a participant is typical; “Practical work gives me more hope for the future and combats some environmental anxiety!”. Toimata is committed to working with a large network of partners so that people of all ages can work together to take creative action, to feel empowered, motivated and hopeful - about their lives and the future of our planet. Contact: Heidi Mardon, Founder/CE Company: Toimata Foundation Web Addresses: toimata.org.nz | teahoturoa.org.nz | enviroschools.org.nz Toimata Foundation is the national hub for two networks, Te Aho Tū Roa and Enviroschools. Grounded in indigenous knowledge and a holistic action-learning approach, Toimata supports the passion and innovation of children, young people and communities to design and co-create a more sustainable, peaceful and equitable world. W
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