Caerphilly County Borough Council and Bridgend County Borough Council have developed a new eco award scheme for youth groups.
Launched at an event in Caerphilly recently, the scheme has been created to support groups working on Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC) projects as part of the youth work curriculum and is the first of its kind in Wales.
The Sustainable Development and Youth Service teams at both councils have worked together to create the scheme.
Much like the Eco Schools programme, the scheme offers three levels of achievement – the bronze twig, silver leaf and gold tree – which youth groups will work through using an electronic resource pack. The scheme will initially be piloted with youth groups in both county borough areas.
The idea came about when youth clubs expressed an interest in a programme that supported them and gave an opportunity to promote their achievements.
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “ESDGC is about making people aware of the fact that their lifestyle choices are linked inextricably to the lives of others all over the world. Everyone has a responsibility and a part to play.
“The Eco Schools award programme does a great job of encouraging children to engage with environmental and sustainable development issues. By opening up a scheme for youth groups as well, I hope we can raise awareness and understanding even further and do more to make communities aware of their impact on the environment.”
For more information about the ESDGC Youth Award Scheme please contact Tracy Evans, Education for Sustainable Development officer at EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk