Be'ah forms ‘Sustainability Labs' for teachers
MUSCAT: Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (Be'ah), in collaboration with the Specialised Institute for Vocational Training for Teachers, has launched the 'Sustainability Labs' programme. This initiative aims to equip teachers with essential environmental knowledge and skills, enabling them to serve as champions of sustainability and environmental awareness in schools.
The programme is designed to instil sustainable practices within the education system by promoting responsible waste management - focusing on reduction, reuse, and proper disposal - ultimately fostering a culture of sustainability among students and the wider community.
The programme unfolds in three key stages, namely Central training: A select group of trainers undergoes intensive training at a central level.
Decentralised training: These trainers then conduct sessions across various governorates, ensuring teachers in different regions are equipped with the necessary knowledge.
Digital accessibility: The training materials are made available on the 'Moodle' platform, allowing all teachers to access resources anytime, facilitating widespread environmental literacy within the school system.
Hafsa bint Hamoud al Harrasiyah, Communications Specialist at Be'ah, emphasised that 'Sustainability Labs' is more than just an educational initiative — it is a strategic investment in both education and environmental stewardship.
"We aim to empower teachers to become catalysts for change within their communities by instilling sustainable environmental practices that shape a greener future," she said.
The programme is structured to drive three levels of transformation: Cognitive change: Enhancing teachers' and students' understanding of sustainability and Be'ah's role in environmental conservation.
Behavioural change: Encouraging shifts in daily habits, reducing waste, and fostering reuse.
Practical application: Implementing environmental activities in schools to integrate sustainability into everyday learning and extend its impact to the wider community.
Dr Khalfan bin Saleh al Nasri, a trainer in the First Teachers Programme at the Specialised Institute for Vocational Training for Teachers, highlighted the programme's goal of empowering educators with new skills to enhance their teaching methodologies while embedding environmental sustainability into school curricula.
"By fostering active partnerships with educators and school staff, we support Be'ah's strategic objectives by equipping teachers with both theoretical and practical knowledge on environmental awareness. This helps integrate sustainability principles into daily school life," he explained.
Dr Al Nasri further noted that the programme is expected to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who can translate knowledge into tangible, sustainable behaviours, reinforcing a culture of sustainability in educational institutions and contributing to Oman's national sustainable development goals. — ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
17-04-2025
- Observer
Re-evaluating screen time in current education
As schools reopen for the new academic year, it is the right moment to critically reassess the role of screen time in modern education. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle served as a lifeline, allowing students to access lessons, participate in virtual classes, and submit assignments amid school closures. Its role was indispensable in ensuring academic continuity during a global crisis. However, with physical classrooms now fully operational, we must ask: Does Moodle still hold the same value, or has its continued overuse begun to erode the essence of quality education? Moodle's utility during the pandemic is undeniable. Yet, its heavy reliance in face-to-face settings is raising concerns. In many cases, teachers continue to use it simply to upload notes, PowerPoint slides, and pre-recorded lectures, often at the expense of active teaching. This shift has transformed some classrooms into passive learning environments, where meaningful interaction, timely feedback, and real-time discussion are lost. Before the digital surge, classrooms were hubs of vibrant activity - fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences. Now, with increased dependence on independent study via screens, many students engage in surface-level learning, skimming digital content rather than deeply engaging with it. This lack of interaction has not only led to poor retention but also diminished students' enthusiasm and academic performance. Another alarming trend is the decline in teacher involvement. Some educators now limit their role to uploading materials, sometimes just before exams, with minimal classroom engagement or support. This undermines the mentor-mentee dynamic that is crucial for both academic growth and personal development. From a parent's perspective, the issue goes beyond academics. Prolonged screen time has been linked to physical problems like eye strain, sleep disruption, and reduced physical activity. Moreover, Moodle's online nature makes it easier for students to engage in dishonest practices during assessments, which threatens academic integrity and discourages independent thinking. Parents also face the challenge of monitoring their children's Moodle usage. What appears to be academic engagement may in fact be a cover for browsing social media or playing online games. Platforms like Instagram have become a frequent distraction, leading to time mismanagement and poor academic habits - issues that can have long-term consequences. While Moodle can still be a powerful supplemental tool, it should not replace traditional classroom dynamics. True education thrives in environments that blend structured teaching, engaging discussions, and personalised support - qualities that digital tools alone cannot replicate. To restore this balance, schools must promote active teaching, limit unnecessary screen time, and encourage greater parental involvement. In summary, while Moodle played a critical role during the pandemic, its excessive use in post-pandemic classrooms risks diminishing the essence of face-to-face learning. The way forward lies in using technology to complement - replace - educational experiences. The writer is a lecturer of English
Observer
03-03-2025
- Observer
Food wastage in Ramadhan needs permanent solution
Ramadhan is a sacred month for Muslims, marked by fasting, prayers and communal gatherings. In Oman, as in many other countries, the month is characterised by elaborate Iftar meals that break the fast at sunset. However, this period also sees a significant increase in food wastage with tonnes of food being discarded. The culture surrounding food preparation during Ramadhan often leads to excessive cooking. Many families prepare large quantities of food out of tradition or the belief that it is better to have too much than too little. This mindset can result in significant leftovers that ultimately go uneaten. The tendency to over prepare not only contributes to waste but also places an unnecessary burden on resources and the environment. Food wastage has far-reaching consequences beyond just the loss of edible items. It strains natural resources and increases the costs associated with waste management. The Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be'ah) indicated that managing food waste requires additional manpower and equipment due to its volume during Ramadhan. Moreover, the economic impact is substantial; Omani households reportedly waste food worth millions of Omani Rials annually. This financial loss could be redirected towards more sustainable practices or charitable efforts aimed at feeding those in need. Addressing the issue of food wastage requires collective action from individuals, communities and governments alike. It necessitates a shift in cultural perceptions regarding hospitality and abundance while promoting sustainable practices throughout the food supply chain. As we reflect on our habits during Ramadhan and other festive occasions globally, it becomes imperative to adopt mindful approaches towards food preparation and consumption that honour both our traditions and our responsibility towards the environment. By fostering awareness and implementing practical solutions at both local and global levels, we can work towards minimising food waste effectively ensuring that resources are utilised efficiently while also addressing hunger issues faced by millions around the world. To combat this growing concern, various stakeholders must collaborate on awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about responsible consumption practices. Additionally, fostering community engagement through shared meals can help mitigate individual excesses while reinforcing social bonds among neighbours. Food wastage during Ramadhan presents both an ethical dilemma and an environmental challenge that requires immediate attention from individuals, communities and governments alike. By addressing cultural practices that contribute to excesses and implementing educational initiatives focused on responsible consumption, it is possible to make meaningful strides towards reducing food waste not only in Oman but across the globe. Despite the Islamic teachings urging restraint, Ramadhan has in many ways become a month of over-consumption, especially of food products. Iftars have become extravagant spreads rather than a humble breaking of the fast. Tackling food waste during this time is a good starting point for Muslims seeking to contribute to cutting back on food waste. On a grander scale, food waste and food scarcity require dedicated policies, informed by data, as well as investments in technology, infrastructure, education and monitoring.
Observer
01-03-2025
- Observer
Be'ah forms ‘Sustainability Labs' for teachers
MUSCAT: Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (Be'ah), in collaboration with the Specialised Institute for Vocational Training for Teachers, has launched the 'Sustainability Labs' programme. This initiative aims to equip teachers with essential environmental knowledge and skills, enabling them to serve as champions of sustainability and environmental awareness in schools. The programme is designed to instil sustainable practices within the education system by promoting responsible waste management - focusing on reduction, reuse, and proper disposal - ultimately fostering a culture of sustainability among students and the wider community. The programme unfolds in three key stages, namely Central training: A select group of trainers undergoes intensive training at a central level. Decentralised training: These trainers then conduct sessions across various governorates, ensuring teachers in different regions are equipped with the necessary knowledge. Digital accessibility: The training materials are made available on the 'Moodle' platform, allowing all teachers to access resources anytime, facilitating widespread environmental literacy within the school system. Hafsa bint Hamoud al Harrasiyah, Communications Specialist at Be'ah, emphasised that 'Sustainability Labs' is more than just an educational initiative — it is a strategic investment in both education and environmental stewardship. "We aim to empower teachers to become catalysts for change within their communities by instilling sustainable environmental practices that shape a greener future," she said. The programme is structured to drive three levels of transformation: Cognitive change: Enhancing teachers' and students' understanding of sustainability and Be'ah's role in environmental conservation. Behavioural change: Encouraging shifts in daily habits, reducing waste, and fostering reuse. Practical application: Implementing environmental activities in schools to integrate sustainability into everyday learning and extend its impact to the wider community. Dr Khalfan bin Saleh al Nasri, a trainer in the First Teachers Programme at the Specialised Institute for Vocational Training for Teachers, highlighted the programme's goal of empowering educators with new skills to enhance their teaching methodologies while embedding environmental sustainability into school curricula. "By fostering active partnerships with educators and school staff, we support Be'ah's strategic objectives by equipping teachers with both theoretical and practical knowledge on environmental awareness. This helps integrate sustainability principles into daily school life," he explained. Dr Al Nasri further noted that the programme is expected to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who can translate knowledge into tangible, sustainable behaviours, reinforcing a culture of sustainability in educational institutions and contributing to Oman's national sustainable development goals. — ONA
