Empowering Educators: Successful Completion of Water and Sanitation Teachers Institute in Galápagos
As part of Galápagos Conservancy’s Education for Sustainability program, more than 380 teachers from throughout Galápagos received in-person training during the 15th Teachers Institute September 9th to 13th. This year, the institute’s focus was on issues of water and sanitation, two related and increasingly critical concerns for residents of the islands. The same group has also expanded their training through independent learning and a combination of virtual activities. Together, these activities help ensure teachers are prepared to integrate water and sanitation issues into their classroom planning, using hands-on teaching methods and creative new strategies.
Jenny Macías, our education advisor, highlighted the importance of the Teachers Institute, calling it a key step toward improving education on water and sanitation with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach. “We want to give teachers the tools they need to create a deep awareness about sustainable water use. By using active learning methods, we hope students will understand the real-world challenges we face living with water scarcity, starting to think about practical solutions from a young age. It’s all about encouraging creativity and a proactive mindset,” she explained.
Impact on Teachers and Students
The training provided teachers with both the knowledge and practical tools to better understand water management, water quality, and the latest innovations in water sanitation. This knowledge will benefit not only the teachers but also the more than 7,000 students across Galápagos. By empowering teachers, we aim to foster a culture of conservation and responsible water use, helping to secure a more sustainable future for the Islands.
The 15th Teachers Institute was made possible through a cooperation agreement between Galápagos Conservancy and Ecuador’s Ministry of Education, with support from Silversea through the Silversea Galapagos Fund, as well as the collaboration of the Scalesia and ECOS Foundations, Yachay Tech, and Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ).
This training event adds to our ongoing efforts to strengthen the education system in Galápagos with a focus on sustainability, reinforcing our commitment to protecting this unique and fragile ecosystem for future generations.
