Woolworths has awarded more than 1100 schools and early learning centres across Australia with funds to help build and develop hands-on environmental learning.
As part of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, each school will be awarded a grant of up to $1000 in the coming weeks as the program celebrates its fifth year.
The program has awarded grants to projects focused on sustainable food production, waste management and biodiversity. 325 grants will also focus on expanding students’ First Nations perspectives education and deepening their connection to Country.
Woolworths Community Program Manager Loretta Arrastia says Woolworths hopes that both students and educators have fun as they explore new learning experiences that connect with the natural environment.
“It’s all about getting hands-on with nature and helping kids learn about the different ways they can care for their local environment,” she says.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish says for over 25 years, Junior Landcare has recognised the vital role children and young people play in caring for the environment.
“Thanks to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants, and the Woolworths-supported Junior Landcare Learning Centre, young people have an opportunity to experience hands-on learning with environmental education,” he says.
Students looking for ways to get involved in environmental sustainability activities can also check out Junior Landcare’s online Learning Centre, with hundreds of free activities for all ages.
There’s a series of First Nations learning activities, too, developed by First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man, Adam Shipp. It includes activities exploring First Nations peoples’ languages maps, Indigenous weather knowledge and creating Indigenous plant use gardens.
Mr Shipp says the knowledge from Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive.
“Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year,” he says.
“From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker – these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems in their everyday environments.”
To date, including the latest round, Woolworths has contributed over $5 million to more than 4900 Junior Landcare projects across Australia and reaching more than 400,000 kids.