On International Education Day, January 24th, Galápagos Conservancy renews its commitment to education as a fundamental pillar of conserving the archipelago’s unique ecosystems. We firmly believe that empowering local communities and increasing their understanding of the environment are crucial steps towards the long-term protection of this natural wonder.
Since 2016, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Scalecia Foundation, we have been running the Sustainability Education Program. This initiative focuses on teacher training, with education serving as a vital tool to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among the children and youth of Galápagos.
Looking ahead to 2024, our program will place an increased emphasis on education as a critical tool for protecting and conserving our environment. We strive to provide high-quality, sustainability-focused education while also supporting the professional development of all Galápagos teachers. To that end, we have established a network of highly skilled education experts from both the local community and across the country who contribute to our teacher training workshops held at various Teacher Institutes.
Our educational advisor, Jenny Macías, emphasizes the importance of active learning, contextualizing knowledge, integrating sustainability into the curriculum, and fostering an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach. “We have focused our efforts on strengthening the pedagogical skills of teachers. Throughout this year, we will continue to provide guidance on project-based planning, addressing fundamental topics, and conducting observations and feedback in all educational institutions in the province,” emphasized Macías.
On this day, as we join the global celebration of education, Galápagos Conservancy wishes to recognize and commend the extraordinary dedication of teachers and students in their pursuit of educational excellence. Recognizing education as a powerful tool for conservation and sustainability, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to driving positive change for both current and future generations. We are committed to furthering this educational initiative, which will significantly contribute to the well-being of Galápagos residents and serve as a model for the rest of the world.