The Covid-19 restrictions forced many schools to adapt and be creative. At Vanse Primary School in Norway, teachers came up with an idea to help students learn about biodiversity. They decided to create a path in the local forest to motivate students to take walks and learn about sustainability and environmental protection along the way.

The school developed a nature trail in a nearby forest and called it “The Path of Joy in Nature”. Along the trail, students and teachers wrote encouraging messages to each other on wooden signs and stones. With this experience, they wanted everyone to feel closer to nature, to each other, and to themselves. Some students also made insect hotels for the path and art from natural materials. In this process, they learned about different species and how to protect them. The students brought their parents on the path after school and on the weekends. Other locals also enjoyed it and it was made accessible for wheelchairs and prams.

“When the students weren’t allowed to gather in big groups, we came up with the idea that if everyone walked the same path and looked at the same things, they could share an experience and feel like they were doing something together although they could not meet.” Monica Torp Rullestad, teacher.

Another initiative the school developed was to encourage walking to go to school. They made a “heart zone” around the school yard where no cars were allowed to drive. This helped keep the school yard safe and, at the same time, encouraged students to start the day with a short walk for their physical and mental health. In this context, students also learned about sustainable means of transportation and concrete actions to reduce carbon emissions.

Recycling was also a topic the school wanted to improve. They already had recycling bins, so the focus was more on informing the students about why and how to recycle. As part of the school, there is a dedicated room where everything (including batteries and lightbulbs) can be recycled and where the containers can be emptied. This project allowed them to collaborate even more closely with the cleaning staff.

Overall, these initiatives taught the students how to be kind to themselves and to each other - in a world where it is more than important to act together.

The Alcoa W5 project of Vanse Primary School support the following SDGs: