SIX primary schools in Muheza District, Tanga Region, have been awarded green flags for environmental conservation efforts by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education.

The schools located around Amani-Nilo forest reserve corridor received the internationally recognized green flags at the weekend after successfully completing a seven-step programme required for the coveted environmental awards. 

Zigi, Kambai, Kwemdimu, Kwezitu, Antakae and Msasa IBC primary schools are the education institutions that were awarded the flags.

The schools execute Eco-Schools programme coordinated by Nature Tanzania with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ‘Tuhifadhi Maliasili,’ activity.

Emmanuel Mgimwa, Director of Nature Tanzania, said that through Eco-Schools programme, pupils undertake environment conservation activities at their respective institutions. 

“Eco-Schools programme provides environment education to pupils who in turn relay the same skills back home to their communities,” he said. 

“The programme provides a framework for learning and action which affords a wealth of opportunities for linking education for sustainable development,” he said.

Eco-Schools feature greener environments, gardens of trees and dedicated conservation lessons usually forming part of their curricula.

Green flags have been awarded to 13 rural schools in Tanzania in the financial year 2023/2024.

There are 48 schools that have been awarded green flags in the country with other 100 schools still working towards attaining the award.

Eco-schools’ approach can be adopted at all levels of education from kindergarten to universities.

Recently, the project conducted an assessment in six primary schools to understand the effectiveness of the Eco-School programme. 

The assessment showed that all six primary schools were actively implementing eco-schools activities such as tree planting, bee keeping and gardening.

The assessment also revealed that 63 percent of teachers were implementing a teaching and learning approach that integrates environmental education into the school curricula using participatory lesson plans and schemes of work known as ‘investigation’.

Nature Tanzania found that six functional eco-committees were formed and active in leading the Eco Schools programme in the respective schools and ensuring school-community partnership for forest protection.

Six environmental clubs were also established and functional in the programme schools.

Six Parents-Teachers Associations were formed and active in ensuring school-community partnerships for protection of the Amani – Nilo forest corridor.