Encouraging Ecological Consciousness and Plant Cultivation Among Saudi Youth
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a growing focus on environmental awareness and sustainability is becoming increasingly evident. Two homegrown initiatives, Hejaz Ploggers and Naqaa Sustainability Solutions, are at the forefront of this movement.
Hejaz Ploggers, a unique combination of sports and environmental activism, has garnered attention among Saudi youth. This group engages in activities such as waste collection and discussions about environmental problems, aiming to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
Naqaa Sustainability Solutions, one of the Kingdom's first social enterprises, was established in 2011. Over the past decade, it has provided waste management programs, community engagement initiatives, and services that extend beyond traditional waste management, such as visits to farms and garden centers.
The Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan includes achieving environmental sustainability as a key goal. In line with this vision, various initiatives are being implemented to teach children about sustainability and environmental preservation.
Educational programs and cultural initiatives that combine hands-on learning with heritage appreciation are playing a significant role in this endeavour. For example, the Heritage Commission's "Little Explorer" program in Abha engages children through interactive activities, emphasizing the preservation of heritage and responsible engagement, which indirectly fosters environmental stewardship by connecting youth to national cultural identity.
Schools like EtonHouse International School in Riyadh incorporate environmental education in their curriculum. Programs such as "The Elemental Landscape" allow children to explore desert and oasis ecosystems through hands-on activities, embedding sustainability concepts within the learning process.
While specific environmental awareness groups focused solely on children are not detailed in the available search results, interactive and experiential learning environments, such as plant-themed installations that promote participation in ecological processes, have been highlighted as effective for children's environmental education globally and could be comparable models used or promoted in Saudi Arabia.
The National Museum's summer camp offers blended practical and theoretical activities for children aged 10–12, fostering creativity and possibly environmental awareness through cultural and heritage education.
A children's book called "Adam and The Giant" written by former early childhood educator Nourah Feteih five years ago, aims to teach children about the importance of caring for the Earth and keeping it clean and safe. Nourah Feteih, who started educating her son about the importance of preserving the environment at a young age, published the book as a way to give back to her community.
Nourah Feteih believes that teaching children about the environment at a young age can make them productive members of society. She stresses the importance of this education because children have a natural desire to help and learn.
In conclusion, the approach in Saudi Arabia blends cultural heritage preservation with environmental education for children, often through interactive programs aimed at raising awareness and curiosity about nature, sustainability, and national identity. These efforts align with broader Vision 2030 goals to empower youth and elevate educational quality in the Kingdom. Community groups are engaging with the public, particularly families and children, to promote environmental awareness, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards in Saudi Arabia.
- Hejaz Ploggers, merging entertainment with environmental activism, captivates the attention of Saudi youth, promoting waste collection and discussions about environmental issues to nurture a future generation of environmental stewards.
- According to Nourah Feteih, a former early childhood educator, teaching children about the environment from an early age can develop them into productive members of society.
- Naqaa Sustainability Solutions, a pioneering social enterprise in the Kingdom, offers services beyond traditional waste management, such as farm visits and garden center tours, utilizing a lifestyle approach to promote sustainability.
- The Heritage Commission's "Little Explorer" program in Abha combines hands-on learning with heritage appreciation, encouraging children to preserve heritage while fostering a connection to national cultural identity and indirectly promoting environmental stewardship.
- The Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan encompasses environmental sustainability as a key objective, implementing initiatives to educate children about sustainability and environmental conservation in line with this vision.
- The National Museum's summer camp engages children aged 10–12 with a mix of practical and theoretical activities, stimulating creativity and potentially enhancing their environmental awareness through cultural and heritage education.
