Empowering Environmental Change: Zespół Szkół Elektronicznych’s Climate Action Project Journey
- Location: Radom, Poland
- School name: Zespół Szkół Elektronicznych im. Bohaterów Westerplatte w Radomiu
- Students’ age: 15 to 18
- Amount of students involved: 1000
Under the guidance of Magdalena Dygała, Zespół Szkół Elektronicznych students in Radom, Poland, embarked on a transformative journey with the Climate Action Project in 2020. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative solutions has impacted their local community and resonated globally.
The students researched local climate challenges during the project, nurturing a deeper understanding of environmental issues. They translated the knowledge gained from the research into impactful actions, such as planting trees on the school premises, contributing to regional sustainability.
In a stroke of ingenuity, one group of students devised a sun-tracking device, optimizing solar panel efficiency by orienting them towards the sun. This innovation is a promising solution for solar power generation, marking a significant stride towards renewable energy sources and combating climate change.
Another group envisioned a Skyprobe, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped to collect soil samples from farmland, showcasing a pioneering approach to soil testing and environmental protection.
Furthermore, the students actively engaged in cross-cultural dialogues with peers from Israel, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, exchanging ideas and solutions to climate issues. During the 2023 Climate Action Day, they also presented a video summary of their endeavors and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Local media recognition and an ECO event reinforced their commitment to ecological awareness, involving the entire school community in promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. This sustained engagement across multiple years has created an encouraging environment for new students and amplified environmental consciousness within the school.
Their amazing teacher, Magdalena Dygała, emphasizes the pivotal role of education in nurturing future climate leaders, urging other educators to engage students in practical actions and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
My students were enthusiastic about participating in the climate action project and collaborating with students from different countries. Before they started the project, they felt they needed more control over the climate problems in our local area. Participation in the project and their research of the local area problems made them believe each individual can make a difference in the local area and globally. We read articles about the young activist from Costa Rica, Carolina Sevilla, and her action in beach clean-ups. It inspired my students to take action in their local area by cleaning up the school neighborhood and planting five trees on our school premises.
Their social media platforms and community involvement have amplified their efforts, inspiring others to join the journey toward a more sustainable future.
Zespół Szkół Elektronicznych’s participation in the Climate Action Project stands as a testament to the potential for education to catalyze impactful change, encouraging schools worldwide to undertake similar initiatives to nurture eco-conscious leaders and drive environmental progress.