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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