CONTRIBUTION OF AN NGO TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT A PRIMARY SCHOOL THROUGH THE 'PROJECT GARDEN LABORATORY

Abstract

In Slovakia, there is a slight increase in public knowledge on the topic of sustainable living, development, and collective responsibility for the quality of environment. The rapidly worsened state of the climate is alarming and a proactive approach for changes in society's lifestyle is essential. The non-profit sector of civil society has an important role to play in this regard, often engaging in projects that promote environmental education for children, their parents and educators in schools. This article presents methods for engaging school communities in transforming the school grounds towards sustainable education. Schools often have a generous ground area, yet in Slovakia there is a low quality of green spaces and equipment that could provide stimuli for children and educators in learning and leisure activities. The paper presents an example of good practice at the Mostná Primary School in Nové Zámky (southwestern Slovakia), where a good collaboration has generated a community and created facilities for the development of environmental education in the form of a 'garden laboratory with composters, raised beds for growing vegetable, fruit, and herbs. The low-biodiverse lawn has been replaced by a perennial bed, which is now attracting pollinators. The redesigned open space with new site furniture serves as an outdoor dining room and classroom for experiential pedagogy.