Overview

Alabang Elementary School, located in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City, is a primary school that teaches children from Grades 1-6. As a UNESCO club, we have partnered with the school in order to raise awareness for sustainability, as well as provide for materials and lessons that integrate with their curriculum. Once this is set in place with specifics as well as designation of times and members, we have begun regularly visiting the school; in this case, we have visited on September 29. This is merely the orientation section, however, where the discussion is facilitated to make sure needs are met on both parties and that follow-through is consistent in the stages of the said collaboration.

Discussion of Curriculum and Integration

To expand upon the educational program, it was formed on the basis of an in-depth Alternative Learning System (ALS). However, unlike the actual ALS program, it seeks to act as an accompaniment to an already existing curriculum rather than replacing it entirely, hence a more creative outline for activities. Examples include the physics behind an egg drop contraption, the chemistry behind the makings of crystals, and even a computer science program online. Mathematics are also applicable with problem solving interactive games. Note that these are the basic subjects needed for environmental sciences.

Therefore, discussion was made with the head teacher of the grade and some members of the administration as to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan. The project proposal was further clarified and as we were given the in-depth layout of the school?s integration of subjects, we could orient specific activities with what the children are focusing on. In addition, choosing the level of the target audience as well as age were determined based off the givens. It was clarified through terms and conditions that the UNESCO organization would provide all course materials while the school would help with the facilitating, allowing for maximum exposure to leadership. Other potential service partners/clubs that have similar ideals are welcome to participate and appropriate contacting will be made as soon as possible.

Talk with Grade 5 Class and Distributing of Resources

With Tunza Eco-Generation by Samsung Engineering as our sponsorship for school supplies and other environmental awareness pamphlets, we were able to open a gateway to a potential passion to preserve nature and its resources. The kids were more than eager to learn more about the opportunities the organization brings forth and even inquired about the process of signing up for certain ones, with our group of volunteers assisting in this process. In future visits, we hope to introduce further activities such as environmental workshops and systems thinking in application to a small-scale city as to further align ideals on sustainability.

Hydroponics Learning

The school not only serves to act as a model for exemplary education to propel for a successful career but also that of a healthy environment. A balance between urban architecture and green landscape was set in place and regarding the latter, the school used a more unconventional means of displaying it. Called hydroponics - or in simpler terms, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent to grow agriculture - it was the main aspect of the school?s greenhouse. The plants were organized in a vertical farming fashion and traditional techniques to remove harmful chemicals were also highlights. As a result, in order to gain a better understanding of environmental rehabilitation solutions, they agreed to help educate us in what they do and the rationale behind it. Meanwhile, on our side, we would focus on research to further bolster this. Their initiative, though less technologically advanced, is a perfect example that there is more than one side to tackle a global issue.