Thursday, November 29, 2012

Greening with Goethe - Saturday 1st @ 10.00

The University of Bremen, Germany and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore present the 2nd International Environmental Youth Conference “Greening with Goethe” - the interdisciplinary environmental project that has been awarded the UNESCO tag of Project of the Decade.

“Greening with Goethe“” is a part of the Year of Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities.

How can we interest children and teenagers in environmental protection? What happens when they experience and comprehend that this issue has a critical bearing on their present and future? “With this project we want to awaken interest in the environmental sciences, as well as work toward improving the climatic balance”, says Dr. Anne Schönhagen, Project Head and Deputy Director, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Bangalore.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India has kindly consented to interact with the young delegates during the grand finale. Excited about the young students’ commitment, Dr. Kalam will deliver a Keynote Address and debate the role of politics in environmental protection with the delegates.

Acknowledging the significance of the project, UNESCO awarded “Greening with Goethe” with the title: Project of the Decade "Education for Sustainable Development”.  According to Prof. Dr. Gerhard de Haan, Chairman of the National Committee and Jury of the UN Decade in Germany, “Greening with Goethe” portrays fantastically, how future education is going to be spread. The jury rewards the project for the reason that it comprehensibly conveys how people can act sustainably.”

For detailed information on the Conference and project, please call the Bhavan: 2520 5305/6/7/8 or visit our websites: www.goethe.de/india/greening-with-goethewww.goethe.de/bangalore.

To learn with each other and from one another – the idea behind “Greening with Goethe“ is as simple as it is original: young students from across schools in Germany, Czech Republic and Sri Lanka, along with students from PASCH schools (Partner schools) in all major Indian metros identify and research an environmental problem.

The project began in 2011 with an international group of environmental scientists guiding the students and encouraging them to claim responsibility for their neighbourhood and city perhaps for the first time in their lives. At the 1st International Environmental Youth Conference “Greening with Goethe” in 2011, students were accorded the chance to discuss common issues, develop a catalogue of measures and commit to solving their chosen problem. The project continues with its young protagonists realising new ideas during a one-year implementation phase.

A huge success from the very start, “Greening with Goethe” was able to extend its collaboration in 2012 to partner schools in the Czech Republic and Sri Lanka. 400 young students representing four nations are involved in the project this year. 150 of these will participate in the 2nd International Environmental Youth Conference to be held from December 1 to 3, 2012 in Bangalore. They will present their projects in workshops and cluster meetings, exchange ideas and discuss possible measures for the future with the help of 25 environmental scientists and experts. Elected delegates will convene a Senate on Day 2 to compile the outcome of both workshops and cluster meetings and prepare the catalogue of measures.

With the world-renowned Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on board as a partner, this year’s Conference will take place on the IISc Campus, with its scientists and research specialists offering invaluable support during the workshops.

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