UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
11/14/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2024 02:53
Nature’s classroom: Educational forests in the Bolivian Amazon
Through this experience, students are encouraged to explore academic subjects in the heart of the forest, blending formal education with traditional indigenous knowledge.
They teach us not to harm the trees-thanks to them, we have shade and air. We learn the value of the forest and how to live in harmony, just as our ancestors did.
Corali Moreno, student, Naranjal community
To date, this programme has united over a thousand students and 53 teachers from 15 communities. The educational forests offer hands-on activities such as identifying forest species, taking nature walks, and participating in mushroom photography contests. Academic subjects such as accounting and chemistry are taught through these outdoor experiences, with students creating narratives to explain the relationships among living organisms. Educators promote the pedagogical use of natural resources-branches, leaves, shadows, soil, and streams - alongside modern technology such as binoculars, mobile phones, and species identification software.
For children, the educational forest is crucial. They apply what they learn in the forest at home, and bring valuable knowledge from home to school...
Teacher Lucecita Salinas, Irak Community, 2024
The forest as a classroom
Activities in the forest are carried out between May and October, adjusting to local weather conditions and the schools' calendars. Each class participates in forest activities at least five times during this period, with an additional three occasions dedicated to exchanges with other students.
Primary school students begin by identifying trees, exploring the practical uses of wood and medicinal plants, and practicing math by counting trees along trails. They express their newfound knowledge through drawing and painting.
I learn just like I do at school; for example, in math class, we count the trees. We also learn about language, noting that animals and birds have their own forms of communication (Carmelo Mendez, student, Las Piedras community, 2024).
Secondary students dive deeper, examining biodiversity, ecology and environment through subjects such as accounting, chemistry, poetry and music. They engage in cultural exchanges with peers from other regions, discussing environmental issues and cultural heritage.
© IPDRS
I want the children to know every plant, just as we did, as our ancestors and grandparents taught us. My plot is the educational forest with multiple plantations: cacao, chestnut, and other plants. With the children we have named each species, and I felt proud because my granddaughter and her classmates also came. She was very excited; they found it beautiful. For them, it was an awakening.
Miguel Cordero, Gonzalo Moreno Community, 2023
Supporting the programme, the IPDRS has produced the publication "Monte Maestro", which is comprised of four didactic guidesfor educators on language, natural knowledge, social studies, and mathematics. One additional guide on musical creativity is also planned. These guides extend beyond the classroom, enriching learning at community fairs and in family settings.
The educational forest is an inclusive space where the entire educational community -teachers, students, families-works together to face our reality of rising temperatures, droughts, and fires. It is a reality we can change, and we are committed to these initiatives because we will contribute to positive changes in the communities.
Alfredo Sandoval, District Education Director, 2024
This programme stands as a powerful example of innovative teaching and learning techniques beyond traditional classrooms. By engaging with nature, students gain scientific insights while embracing and revitalizing local indigenous knowledge and practices.
© IPDRS