Students to take over teaching for environmental gains

08 August 2017

Children from across the district will take over teaching this month when they host workshops to educate their fellow students about environmental issues.

The initiative is part of the award-winning Kids Teaching Kids program being coordinated by Wannon Water in conjunction with Port Fairy Consolidated School and supported by Deakin University.

More than 280 children will gather for presentations at Deakin’s Warrnambool Campus on Tuesday August 15. They will also take part in hands-on activities throughout the day including sessions on renewable energy, desalination, banning plastic bags, erosion, photosynthesis, recycled art, and the properties of water.

Kids Teaching Kids will involve students from Port Fairy Consolidated School, St Pius X Primary School, Merrivale Primary School, West Warrnambool Primary School, Koroit and District Primary School, Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, St Patrick’s Primary School in Port Fairy, Heywood Consolidated School, Brauer College and Warrnambool College.

Wannon Water’s Engagement and Education Advisor Catherine Grist says it is the third year the corporation has coordinated the event. “Investing in education in our region is part of Wannon Water’s vision of “beyond water for strong communities,” Ms Grist said.

“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. We’re also really pleased to explain some of the recent innovations that teams at Wannon Water have developed, helping the students understand how opportunities can create a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Deakin University Warrnambool Campus Director Alistair McCosh welcomed the program. “We look forward to supporting the initiative,” Mr McCosh said.

“Any time children get the opportunity to work and engage across schools, new ideas and skills will emerge.”

Port Fairy Consolidated School’s environmental science teacher Tracey Gray said children have been enthusiastic about helping to organise the event.

“This year there are two secondary schools participating based on the success of previous years’ events,” Ms Gray said.

Students are looking forward to the activities. “I am feeling excited and a little nervous about the Kids Teaching Kids conference,” Elsie Adams said. “We’ve been planning and preparing for over two months.”

“I am so excited about all of the school coming together and the kids sharing their workshops with each other,” Ivy Morton said.

Phoebe Reaburn said this year’s conference would be amazing. “It’s been really challenging and fun. It is exciting to be able to contribute to an important event bringing kids together.”  

“This conference will inspire us to all work together on solutions to help save the planet,” Ariana Matthews said.

More than 110,000 students and teachers have participated in the Kids Teaching Kids program throughout Australia during the past 17 years. 

Further information is available at www.kidsteachingkids.com.au