Working with Schools in Kenya through Faith

based ESD

By Dr. Dorcas Beryl Otieno. KOEE

Decade for Education for SD

In 2005 UNESCO released an International Implementation Scheme for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNESCO, 2005), which has led to implementation processes across the world at regional, sub-regional and national levels. The objectives of the decade are:

Improve quality of education at all levels for sustainable development;

Reorient education at all levels for sustainable development;

Enhance public understanding and awareness of sustainable development;

Build capacity for sustainable development.

Why Emphasis on Values

Education that is devoid of values necessary for achieving sustainable development is incomplete.

In order to deliver on Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an education that mainstreams religious values into ESD is imperative for Kenya.

Faiths are a rich source of values that guide human beings in their relationship with the environment and God. God really cares about these things.

Values to protect the environment cut across faiths

Common values drawn from the Christian, Muslim and Hindu faiths for this initiative include: caring for God’s creation, living in peace and harmony with others and

nature, stewardship of the environment, accountability to God for preserving the earth, wise and fair use of resources, caring for the needy, conviction for conservation of God’s creation

and maintaining ecological integrity.

Mainstreaming values into the school curriculum

Mainstreaming faith based values in the school curriculum is key in sensitizing children to practice sustainable development.

The Eco-schools Strategy is used to enable a whole school approach in transforming education into an action-oriented and value-based experience, enjoyable for both teachers and learners.

The link between Eco-schools and ESD

A faith-based ESD Toolkit This has been developed to facilitate and

demonstrates how values can be mainstreamed into the existing primary school curriculum.

This monumental piece of work is a product of a wide range of educational and faith stakeholders and therefore quite rich and comprehensive in context, style, design, content and perspectives.

Key Messages from UNEP Government bodies, Message from Religious leaders are found in the toolkit

Aims of the Toolkit

Enhance the faith-based valuesystem and positive behaviour inthe school and community to

promote sustainable development using the eco-school strategy.

Demonstrate how faith-based valuescan be integrated into Educationfor Sustainable Development (ESD) in the primary school curriculum.

Objectives of the toolkit:

a. Enhance the faith-based value system and positive behavior in the school and Community to promote sustainable development.

b. Enable teachers, pupils and the wider community to acquire awareness of and sensitivity towards environmental problems.

c. Enhance teachers’ and pupils’ capacity to identify and solve sustainable development challenges.

d. Encourage multiple approaches in teaching and learning processes for sustainable development.

Some World Important Days Celebrated

Some World Important Days Celebrated

World Water day World Environment day World Biodiversity day World hand Washing day World Food day

A faith based curriculum matrix

Themes, Topics, Activities Objectives & Outputs Subject links Co- Curricular Activities Whole school Approach

Faith based ESD Activities

Strengthen the faith based ESD networks both for formal and non formal learning.

Mobilize, train, and capacity build schools in Faith based ESD in primary schools.

Develop and implement the faith based ESD initiatives jointly with stakeholders and development partners.

Eg ACT!-- Faith based ESD for Climate Change and Food Security Promoting the role of faiths in advocating for good environmental

governance Production and distribution of learning, awareness and outreach

materials. The toolkit is being assessed by KICD for approval for use in

schools Developing a training manual for schools Developing a training manual for non-formal education/Alternative

schooling Developing sermon Guides

Activities Cont.

Monitoring and evaluation of the faith based ESD initiative

Train and prepare the faith based ESD schools to graduate as Eco-schools.

Establish faith based ESD model schools and Regional Centers of Expertise.

Replicate and support faith-based ESD activities in the African region and beyond

Further Academic Studies e. PhD in Faith based ESD in Sustainable Agriculture by a PCEA candidate

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

Faith Schools can provide avenues for promoting wide range of sustainable practices- biodiversity conservation, alternative energy, sustainable land management (SLM) among others

SLM initiatives are not just for adults also faith structures can deliver SLM through formal school systems

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

School lands can be used for tree planting and horticulture and water harvesting; sustainable agriculture as part of the curriculum;

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

Schools act as grounds to promote Public-Private sector co-operations in management of natural resources

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

WATER HARVESTING WATER HARVESTING

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION-TREE PLANTING

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

BEE KEEPING

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

MULCHING AGROFORESTRY

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

WATER CONSERVATION DRYLAND FARMING

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

DRIP IRRIGATION HORTICULTURE-GREEN HOUSE

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

FISH FARMINGORGANIC FARMING

How schools are facilitating learning about SLM…

POULTRY KEEPING CATTLE KEEPING

THANK YOU