Environmental Programs for School Readiness

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In lieu of the pressing global concerns and issues on the environment, the Department of Education (Department of Education) urges all public and private schools to lead the role on environmental awareness by enhancing environmental education and by pursuing effective school-based activities that seek to preserve and protect the environment.

METHODS

The subject of this study composed of 30 Grade 10 learners of Buenavista Integrated National High School for School Year 2018-2019.The study used Segui's IEES Theory (Inform, Educate, Engage and Save) which values the importance for an individual to give his/her maximum participation in the different programs relevant to environmental protection. The instrument used was Likert-Type Checklist to measure all its indicators.

RESULTS

The school had successfully implemented a number of environmental education programs that assisted in policy and framework documents to guide the school. The challenge remains on how to strengthen the implementation of the environmental education programs in the school as well as involving and engaging local government.

DISCUSSIONS

The respondents of the study have observed the following environmental programs that are implemented in their respective school namely earthquake drill, clean up drives and school gardening. Deworming activity has been highly implemented in school followed by clean up drives and school gardening. Deworming has had a great impact on the improvement of nutritional status of each student. Regular deworming contributes to good health and nutrition for children of school age, which in turn leads to increased enrolment and attendance, reduced class repetition, and increased educational attainment. (WHO,2010). The respondents believed that the environmental programs being implemented are beneficial due to the following reasons: it serves as a venue for the schools to have contact with government and non-government organizations for the purpose of helping the students and improving the conditions of the schools; develop the proper attitudes and values in regards to environmental issues and inspire people in the school tomake researches that can be used as basis in making decisions.