On October 1, 2024, a parents’ evening dedicated to the Creative Storytellers project brought together a diverse group of parents, educators, and stakeholders at the German School Athens. This gathering marked an important moment for introducing the project’s approach to fostering sustainability awareness among young children. Through storytelling, the Creative Storytellers project aims to immerse kindergarten and preschool children in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), nurturing an early consciousness around global environmental and social issues. With growing interest and collaboration, the Creative Storytellers project is set to make a lasting impact, blending education with creativity to support global goals in a way that resonates with even the youngest learners.
An Engaging Introduction to Sustainable Learning
The evening began with opening remarks from project coordinators Ms. Gabriele Wensky, Ms. Alexandra Reisinger, and Mr. Jens Koslowsky. They outlined the project’s mission, its planned activities for the school year, and the broader impact of early childhood education in supporting sustainable development. Their presentation emphasized that by integrating storytelling with SDG themes, the project hopes to create a nurturing environment where children can learn about sustainability in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
Special Guest Insight: International Perspectives on Sustainable Kindergartens
A highlight of the evening was a keynote speech from Ms. Anna Maria Haas, an early childhood education expert from Austria, who shared her experiences in creating sustainable learning environments for young children. Her talk, titled “Sustainability Goals in Kindergarten: Sustainable Education from the Very Beginning,” offered attendees a unique perspective on the importance of early exposure to sustainability principles. Ms. Haas presented concrete examples of how sustainability can be embedded in daily kindergarten routines, from waste reduction to nature-based learning activities, and encouraged a collective approach in fostering eco-conscious practices in early education.
Interactive Fishbowl Discussion: Exploring the Role of Parents and Educators
The event featured a dynamic fishbowl discussion, providing parents, educators, and other attendees with a space to exchange ideas, voice questions, and explore the practicalities of incorporating SDGs into preschool learning. The discussion sparked meaningful dialogue around both the benefits and the challenges of introducing sustainability concepts at a young age, with many parents expressing their support and interest in active involvement. Key topics included the balance between fostering awareness and maintaining age-appropriate learning, as well as the role of parents in reinforcing these themes at home.
The evening underscored the importance of a unified effort among parents, teachers, and children to instill a foundation of sustainability from the earliest stages of learning. Participants left with valuable insights, inspiration, and practical ideas, which will be woven into the fabric of the school’s kindergarten and preschool programs in the coming months.
