Posted by Kathleen Mullen
The last four months has been an adventure! I have been travelling all over Ontario with the Ontario Teachers’ Federation, bringing environmental films to communities all over the province. I have met with teachers, students and community members in Hamilton, Port Elgin, Penatanguishene, Southampton, Stratford and Pickering.
This program is exciting for the students as they get to put into practice some of the things they learn in the films. In Southampton, the high school students watched one of the films and then they planted trees all afternoon outside. It is amazing to watch environmentalism in action! At L’ecole Le Caron, the high school students came up with games, activities and points of discussion for the elementary students. They did a great job mentoring the younger ones.
Films such as Earth Keepers/Visionnaires planétaires, Campensinos: We will inherit the earth and Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home got strong and positive reactions from the kids, eliciting a ton of questions. Events such as the one held in Hamilton featured an eco-fair with films, performances and speakers, and over 300 people from the community enjoying the co-evening.
It was lots of fun to see students, teachers and community members engaged and asking questions about what they can do to save the planet.
If you are a teacher, parent or student interested in having your school participate next year, please email me at kathleen@planetinfocus.org and we can send you more information.
