Students take over teaching for environmental gains
05 September 2016
Children from across the district took over teaching on Monday September 5 when they hosted workshops to educate their fellow students about environmental issues.
The initiative was part of the award-winning Kids Teaching Kids program being coordinated in Warrnambool by Wannon Water in conjunction with St. Pius X Primary School.
More than 170 children listened to presentations and took part in hands-on activities throughout the day including sessions on alternative energy, aquaponics, making scarecrows from recycled materials, reducing rubbish, carbon credits and water gardens.
Kids Teaching Kids involved students from St Pius X Primary School, Port Fairy Consolidated School, Warrnambool Special Developmental School, Merrivale Primary School, West Warrnambool Primary School, Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School and St Patrick’s Primary School in Port Fairy.
Wannon Water and Warrnambool City Council also ran workshops at the event.
Wannon Water’s Education Officer Catherine Grist said it was the second year the corporation had coordinated the event which aligned with Wannon Water’s new vision of “beyond water for strong communities”.
“Being part of Kids Teaching Kids gives students the tools to manage their own learning and become confident, caring and informed citizens ready to take on new challenges in our community,” Mrs Grist said.
“We’re also really pleased to explain some of the recent innovations that teams at Wannon Water have developed, helping the students to understand how opportunities can create a more sustainable future for everyone.”
They include plans for a $2.4 million wind generator that will produce renewable energy to power Portland’s water and sewage treatment facilities, and an aquaculture program that uses goldfish to help reduce the costs and environmental impact of sewage treatment.
More than 110,000 students and teachers have participated in the Kids Teaching Kids program throughout Australia during the past 16 years. Further information is available at www.kidsteachingkids.com.au
