Tuesday, April 27, 2010

USAID PEP/PET Green Schools


Macedonia’s “Green Schools” program is the result of a USAID campaign to promote environmental sustainability, education, and awareness within the primary schools in Macedonia. The “Green Schools” program is sponsored by USAID’s Primary Education Project (managed by the Academy for Educational Development - AED) and USAID Plastic Recycling Project (managed by a local NGO, MDC Ti.Net).

Founded in 2006, the Primary Education Project (PEP) has renovated 80 schools in Macedonia, focusing on using energy-efficient materials and sustainable technologies, while facilitating discussions to highlight the importance of energy conservation. By the completion of the project in 2011, PEP aims to renovate at least 100 schools, replacing, renovating and updating components such as windows, doors, heating systems, roofs, and insulation. PEP’s partnership with the Plastic Recycling Project has resulted in the creation of on-campus “Green Clubs”.


The clubs were founded in five pilot schools, during the 2008-2009 school year. In the current school year, 15 additional schools have joined the program, using a project manual developed by the pilot schools. The 20 schools work on four environmental themes relevant for schools: energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and transportation. Following the ISO 14000 environmental management standard, they measure schools’ energy and waste usage, waste production and transportation habits. Based on the acquired data, they design and implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of the school, to reduce water usage and waste production, and to promote environmentally friendly means of transportation.


With the help of the schools’ directors and advisors, the students’ campaigns are expanded to include the greater community through the distribution of educational and awareness raising materials and action projects. Funds for the materials, activities and campaigns are provided primarily by USAID, with a supplementary donation of 800 USD from each local municipality.

For more information, please visit our websites:

www.greenschools.org/mk

www.pep.org/mk

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