Sustainable Greek School – Teachers’ Summer University in Spetses
THE CHALLENGE
Today’s students will experience the long-term impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss more than any previous generation, yet sustainability is still not fully embedded in everyday teaching in Greece. Many teachers lack the training and tools to deliver environmental education in practical and engaging ways. In the Argosaronic region, where islands like Spetses face growing pressure from tourism and marine pollution, empowering teachers to inspire the next generation is both urgent and essential.
THE PROJECT
AEF supported the Greek Society for Environment and Culture to organise the 3rd Summer University of Sustainable Greek Schools on Spetses in August 2022. This three-day intensive seminar brought together teachers from across Greece, giving them access to cutting-edge scientific knowledge, experiential workshops, and practical tools to transform their schools into sustainability hubs.
Key activities included:
- Lectures from renowned experts, such as Dr. David Wilengbus (Office for Climate Education, UNESCO), who highlighted the global importance of the Sustainable Greek School network.
- Workshops on reducing ecological footprints, sustainable diets, health and bioclimatic school design, and experiential activities like natural product making.
- A guided hike and cultural tour of Spetses to link local heritage with sustainability.
- A beach clean-up and microplastic monitoring exercise at Vaiza beach, engaging teachers in hands-on environmental stewardship.
- Mentorship sessions where experienced teachers shared best practices and helped peers draft sustainability action plans for their own schools.
OUTCOMES
- 40 teachers trained in sustainability education methods (30% from Spetses and the rest from across Greece).
- 3-day intensive programme delivered, combining lectures, workshops, cultural visits, and hands-on environmental action.
- 150+ pieces of plastic waste removed from Vaiza beach during a collective cleanup.
- Action plans developed for implementation in schools in the following academic year.
- 2 Spetses schools (Kindergarten and Preschool of Spetses) officially joined the Sustainable Greek School network.
- 100% participant recommendation rate, with strong demand for programme expansion.
- Foundations laid for a Sustainable Schools Hub in Spetses, supported by strong local engagement.
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