The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism announced in Ribeira Grande that the Regional Government bring the theme of energy efficiency to schools, through "an innovative educational programme in the Region" to be implemented during this school year.
"The Educational Programme for Energy Efficiency in Azorean Schools aims to raise the awareness of the school community for the importance of correct energy use so that the Azores may reduce the use of energy produced from non-renewable resources," said Marta Guerreiro. She spoke on the sidelines of the presentation session for elementary students of Ribeira Grande Basic Education School, which was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Education and Culture, Avelino Meneses.
Developed in partnership with Azorina - Society for Environmental Management and Nature Conservation, the programme includes an activity designated as "Dreni" that will be included in the activities held under the "The Park goes to School" initiative. The programme will be disseminated in kindergartens and elementary schools through the Educational Services of Natural Parks.
"This innovative activity, based on cartoons and activity sheets, aims to raise awareness for energy efficiency and the rational use of energy as well as for renewable energy sources in the Region and the new mobility solutions such as electric cars," stressed Marta Guerreiro.
"Even though this initiative will only be available for middle school students in the following edition of the "School Park" educational offer, all teachers, including middle school teachers, will be able to download the educational resources by accessing the "Educating for the Environment and Sustainability" portal or the Regional Directorate for Energy Programme."
"In order to disseminate the concepts associated with energy efficiency among junior high school and secondary school students, the Regional Directorate for Energy started last year the Meetings with Energy Efficiency. Under these awareness-raising actions, young people are explained the importance of energy efficiency and the role each one plays in safeguarding the future of the Region," stressed the Regional Secretary.
"This is a key action for us" as far as "raising the awareness of young people in school context enables them to adopt practices and attitudes towards the promotion of energy efficiency through the knowledge on energy matters," stated the government official.
In turn, the Regional Secretary for Education and Culture called for the need to adopt behaviours that promote energy efficiency by students and the community in general.
Avelino Meneses also challenged students to be the messengers of the need to "use energy for the benefit of the domestic and social economy," namely by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels.