GIZ celebrates World Environment Day with primary school children

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is marking the World Environment Day, including the past International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) 2017, by organizing informative sessions in several schools across the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

GIZ projects Open Regional Funds for South-East Europe – Biodiversity and Energy Efficiency celebrated these two global events by joining efforts and holding interactive informative sessions on  June 1 and 2 with children from the Mula Mustafa Bašeskija, and the Čengić Vila 1 primary schools. The sessions titled “I am with nature” were held for first to nine graders who are members of Eco-clubs of these primary schools.

The GIZ Country Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Brigitte Heuel-Rolf took part in one of the sessions and used the opportunity to remind of the purpose and importance of such global events.

Children spent an active afternoon planting various types of herbs, fruits and flowers in the schools’ gardens, while learning about climate protection and preservation of the environment.

“Through an interactive and playful approach, children were thought about biodiversity and energy, why and how these are important for all of us, as well as how everyone can contribute to rational energy use, mitigation of global warming and environmental protection,” Dubravka Bošnjak, GIZ ORF-EE Project Manager explained.

Other activities included the distribution of informative and educational materials, seeds, and samples of energy efficient light bulbs, including a discussion on their adequate use. Sunita Selak, ORF-Biodiversity project representative stated on the occasion “it was an opportunity for the youngest among us to develop a stronger understanding, empathy and responsibility for nature.”

Further informative sessions will be held tomorrow and on  June 7 in two additional primary schools in Sarajevo.

The event was actively supported by volunteers of the Society of Biology Students in Sarajevo.