In early 2009 Community Forests International wished to install an environmental message into their programming in order to foster a lasting commitment to sustainability. Based on past success from an Islamic Ethics environmental program Community Forests International began teaching schools and communities about the importance of forest stewardship while exploring the effects of climate change on local ecoregions.
In order to deliver this unique educational experience, CFI engineered an online learning portal called the Global Schools Link to allow students from around the world to explore environmental education from their region while sharing their experiences with other like-minded youth.
Global warming and climate change can seem like insurmountable challenges, but local student-led greening efforts connected to an international network of similar initiatives can build the relationships necessary to effect change on a global scale.
Participating schools plant trees on school grounds and explore curriculum related activities linked to programming in their partner schools. Students log onto the Global Schools Link and create profiles to correspond with other students directly via electronic penpal software. Environmental activities are posted on virtual class spaces, allowing students a global perspective on their local environment. Climate related activities such as carbon calculation and offseting, soil sampling and forest exploration are shared through a multimedia portal connecting students around the world in an effort against global warming. Visit www.globalschoolslink.org to see the Global Schools Link in action.
