International and National CBoT Sessions Empower Teachers for Environmental Sustainability

ByDebora Cardoso

In a groundbreaking initiative, the All Aboard project organized the international Capacity Building of Teachers (CBoT) on October 16 and 17, 2023. Hosted by Mentortec in Matosinhos, Portugal, the CBoT aimed to train primary and secondary school teachers from Sweden, Turkey, and Portugal. Teachers from Ebba Braheskolan Sweden, Ahmet Baldoktu Ilkokulu in Turkey, and Agrupamento de Escolas de Loureiro in Portugal participated in this enriching experience.

The international CBoT unfolded in two main blocks, strategically designed for comprehensive learning. The first block focused on fostering sustainable practices in schools, utilizing tools such as the Methodological Approach Frame, including the Toolbox, Catalogue of Good Practices, and workshop-derived materials. The Green Changemakers GameBox, a project development, was introduced to address issues related to energy consumption, waste disposal, and recyclable waste. The second block centered on planning development strategies for the Mini Mentors Camp, a mentoring program integral to the project’s objectives.

This immersive two-day experience equipped teachers with essential skills for environmental sustainability education, deepening their awareness and grounding pedagogical interventions both theoretically and practically. The overarching goal is to empower pupils aged 10 to 12 years old as active and innovative citizens, capable of championing environmental sustainability and mentoring their younger peers. The adaptable materials supporting the CBoT ensure that the initiative’s fundamental learning outcomes are effectively achieved in diverse educational contexts.

Following the international session, teachers reconvened for national CBoT sessions held in Portugal, Sweden, and Turkey in November 2023. Tailored for educators who participated in the international session, these national gatherings provided a localized and focused exploration of the All Aboard project’s objectives, emphasizing the implementation of transformative actions in education.
During these national sessions, teachers were guided through the contents of the CBoT, the Methodological Approach Framework, and the All Aboard Gamebox. Encouraging discussions and hands-on collaboration, these sessions enhanced teachers’ practical understanding of the activities and strengthened their readiness to incorporate these tools into their teaching methodologies.

Integral to these sessions were discussions about the Mini Mentors’ Camp, emphasizing practical aspects of implementation, addressing real challenges, and fostering a collective responsibility among the teachers. These national sessions represent a crucial phase in ensuring the seamless integration of the All Aboard project into local educational landscapes.

Subscribe to All Aboard newsletter and be the first to receive updates on the environmentally friendly educational journey!

For more information, please contact Global Playground Sweden via email: info@globalplaygroundstockholm.com.