Sustainable Development and Teacher Training
Jair Ruiz Flores is a teacher at the 'Normal School OFL', in Mexico.
Many issues arise throughout the world as a result of different
climate conditions. The excessive heat, the lack of wβter, the
overflow of waste materials and the weak local economy of
the inhabitants of Chiautla de Tapia, Puebla, Mexico. Professor
Luis Casarrubias Ibarra urges that, “actions that lead to a
guarantee of care for the environment,” are taken.
The Normal School is located in the south of the state of Puebla,
Mexico. The climate is dry and warm which makes staying inside
the classrooms unpleasant. Teachers and students therefore,
have participated in management projects and secured
an air conditioning system in all classrooms. This system
led to excessive consumption of electricity and a huge and
unsustainable expenditure for the institution. Currently, through
the management of projects with state and federal educational
authorities, resources have been obtained to acquire solar
cells, which replace the consumption of electric energy with
solar energy and have reduced spending by 95%. Likewise, a
rainwater collection system has been generated. Rainfall is now
stored in tanks that supply the needs of the institution, such as
water services to toilets, plant maintenance and cleaning.
The use of paper for different academic and administrative
activities has been minimized and it was decided to digitalise
existing paper records.
Disposable plates, spoons, glasses, straws, bags etc have been
replaced with reusable materials for food consumption in the
school.
All of the initiatives outlined are intended to generate
reflection on the part of the students (trainee teachers) to
care for the environment and to maximise social welfare.
Garbage collection, campaigns and recycling deposits
are being realised as a result of courses in the primary
education degree curriculum. This includes the projects
offered by the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE),
and in particular the initiatives of teachers in training.
As trainee teachers attending Normal School, come from
different areas, consciousness of the need to promote
sustainability is spreading and consequently so too is its
development.
Our Normal School is the first in Mexico that has the solar
cell system and is committed to taking care of the economy
and the environment. We know that much more needs
to be done. Lack of understanding, alongside the supply
of necessary resources, needs to be addressed to ensure
sustainable development impacts meaningfully on all
our lives.
The teachers in training throughout the country are the
army that can take programmes and projects of sustainable
development to the farthest corners. The joy, initiative and
enthusiasm of today’s young teachers working together means
that in the not too distant future they will undoubtedly stand
alongside future generations, coordinating campaigns that will
help to care for and sustain our planet.
From Engage issue 20.
JAIR RUIZ FLORES • November 3, 2021
In our continued commitment to ensuring quality and inclusive education for every child, we’ve taken our advocacy to a new level by empowering the next generation to lead the conversation. In partnership with The Gambia Teachers Union, we recently convened the Foundation’s Young Ambassadors for a vibrant day of engagement dedicated to promoting the right to education for all. The event brought together passionate students from selected senior secondary schools across Region One, including St. John’s School for the Deaf, to explore what it truly means to make education inclusive, equitable, and accessible to every learner. ο»Ώ
The Steve Sinnott Foundation is proud to celebrate the inspirational winners of the 2025 Seeds of Hope for a Better Future competition, a global initiative supported by UNESCO that brings together creativity, community, and a shared commitment to peace and sustainability. This unique project invited schools across the world from nursery and primary through to secondary and high school to explore the values of peace, cultural understanding, and care for the planet. In the face of climate change, young people were asked to tell their stories through art, performance, and digital creativity, highlighting how small seeds of action can grow into powerful movements for hope. The results have been extraordinary. Schools in France, the UK, Gambia, Haiti, and Kenya have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, with projects ranging from community gardens and sculptures to dance performances and illustrated stories. Each winner has shown how young voices and imagination can nurture peace and sustainability in ways that inspire us all. The full Awards Ceremony can be watched linked here: S eeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025 Highlights from the Winners Oak View Primary and Nursery School (UK) created Faces of Feeling, a collection of joyful sculptures already exhibited in a local gallery. Judges praised their work as supporting the wellbeing of others and embodying the idea of children as true “Seeds of Hope.” St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School (Gambia) painted Campaign for a Sustainable Banjul , reflecting real-world climate action in their city. The judges described it as “a most deserving and robust winner.” In France , the Jardin d'Enfants des Nations Unies (United Nations Nursery School) won hearts with Wind of Peace , where 5-6 year olds combined drawings, paintings, and tree planting to champion reforestation. Lyng Hall Secondary School, Coventry (UK) collaborated with Henley Green Primary and the UK Literacy Association to produce The Heart Shaped Hole – an innovative and metaphorical take on Seeds of Hope. Earlsdon Primary School, Coventry (UK) impressed with Primary Plot , a project that included gardening with the visually impaired, reflecting inclusivity and sustainability. A remarkable cross-collaboration between 21 schools across West Yorkshire, Essex, and Tower Hamlets (UK) resulted in Lights, Camera, Score , an ambitious combination of animation, music, and storytelling. CIMA Community School of Hope, Haiti shared Konbit - a video of dance and solidarity, inspiring villages to work together for peace and dignity. Daraja Academy, Kenya presented an ambitious and optimistic project integrating sustainability into everyday school life. Celebrating Creativity and Peace This year’s competition was judged by an impressive panel of artists, writers, and cultural leaders including Sir Antony Gormley, Edmund de Waal, Dame Liz Forgan, Hugh Quarshie, and Rathna Ramanathan. Their collective expertise highlighted the quality and depth of the entries, each of which showed how art can be a powerful tool for global understanding and change. The Seeds of Hope initiative is part of UNESCO UK’s Arts and Culture for Peace programme, first launched in 2022. It has grown from earlier collaborations such as the Coventry Young Ambassadors’ Islands of Peace Japanese Garden , opened in 2021 a living reminder that seeds planted in communities can continue to flourish. Highlights from the ceremony can be found here at this playlist Looking Ahead As Ann Beatty, UNESCO ASPnet UK National Coordinator , shared: “The quality of entries was extraordinary. We are delighted at the response to this amazing initiative in collaboration with our international partners.” And in the words of judge Jannette Cheong : “Young people around the world understand well the value of peace and tolerant relationships between cultures. Their creativity is an inspiration to all of us.” At The Steve Sinnott Foundation, we believe that education is the seed from which hope grows. The Seeds of Hope competition is a shining example of how young people through creativity, compassion, and collaboration are already shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future. You can access the full online awards presentation here: Seeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025
The journey to strengthen the well-being and success of learners in The Gambia continues with a renewed commitment to guidance and counselling in schools. By August 14th 2025, we have successfully trained 140 educators across πππ π’π¨π§π¬ π, π, π & π under our Guidance & Counselling Programme. A programme designed to equip educators with the skills to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Region 3 Teachers Complete Level 2 Training On Wednesday, 6th August, thirty teachers from Region 3 (North Bank Region) began a three-day Level 2 Guidance and Counselling training at the Christian Council in Kanifing. This programme built on their earlier Level 1 training in Farafenni, with a focus on deepening their capacity to serve as school-based counsellors. The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognising the teachers’ commitment and marking an important step in their professional development. These certificates symbolize more than an achievement; they represent each teacher’s readiness to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and mentorship to learners across their schools.
