In cooperation with the association, the “Every Spring a Flower” program in the State of Qatar, the General Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development of the General Union of Arab Producers, and the Gulf Network of Environmental NGOs.
The Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection launched the virtual “Childhood and Environment Program” via video technology in joint cooperation between the Society, the “Every Spring a Flower” program in Qatar, the General Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development of the General Union of Arab Producers, and the Gulf Network of NGO Environmental Associations.
Janan Behzad, Secretary General of the Association, affirmed that the “Childhood and Environment Program” is an engaging, educational, and entertaining program designed to attract children aged 6-14 and utilize their energy during home confinement. The program aligns with educational trends, connecting theoretical and practical concepts to the lives and environments of young people. This approach helps them understand the relationship between these realities and the importance of adopting behaviors and acquiring experiences that lead to achieving the desired goal. This is accomplished by showcasing the achievements and creativity of children in various countries and broadening their knowledge and understanding of all that is beneficial. She explained that to achieve the program's objectives and ensure its success, conditions must be created that allow children to showcase their creativity, achievements, and activities. Furthermore, families must be involved in supporting their children's efforts to protect the environment, based on the shared responsibility of raising children and instilling sound environmental practices. .
Regarding the proposed interactive activities included in the “Childhood and Environment Program,” Jinan Behzad confirmed that they include the social activity “The Homeland’s Environment from Land to Sea,” which involves learning about different environments: the heritage environment, the marine environment, the plant environment, the animal environment, the desert environment, and the industrial environment. In addition, there is the cultural and scientific activity “Knowledge is Fun and Action,“ which includes the concept of the environment (natural and built), with a focus on water. This includes facts about water (its importance, forms of water in nature, and the water cycle), as well as the issue of water sources, water quality, water pollution, water conservation, rationalizing consumption, and protecting water from pollution.
The Secretary-General of the Environment Society stated that the virtual "Childhood and Environment Program" includes an online module on air (its necessity, gas cycles in nature, and pollution), as well as an module on the biosphere (plants and animals). This module covers the definition and importance of the biosphere, the manifestations of biosphere degradation and the dangers of this degradation, the causes of biosphere degradation, and methods of protecting the biosphere. She also highlighted an activity on waste, which includes the following topics: What is waste? Why is waste a problem? Disposing of waste properly. Where does waste go? Who is responsible for waste? The necessity of reducing waste. Recycling: paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and glass. Waste and fertilizer production. In addition, the program includes cultural and educational activities with environmental themes, such as short environmental stories and poetry.
She added that the artistic activity, "Rooting the Arts and Linking Them to the Environment," encompasses several art forms and is a vital tool for environmental awareness. Among these is theater, given its significant role as an effective means of promoting awareness and disseminating knowledge. Experience has proven its effectiveness in instilling a sense of responsibility in children. She also highlighted the role of singing, explaining that through this refined art form, children develop an appreciation for music, learn about it, and apply it to environmental projects. This approach facilitates comprehension and delivers information in an engaging way. She further noted the importance of visual arts, emphasizing their connection to the environment in terms of both materials and subject matter. This activity covers the following areas: artistic appreciation and aesthetic perception of environmental elements; developing skills in drawing, composition, and construction; learning from the experiences of others through museum and exhibition visits; utilizing environmental materials in creating artwork; and incorporating non-harmful waste into artistic creations. Finally, she added that the photography and videography component allows participants to submit photos and short videos, which are then showcased during the program's activities.
Regarding the "Sound Mind in a Sound Body" sports activities, Jinan Behzad stated, "Environmental concepts will be integrated into the sports activities to enhance the physical capabilities of children and youth and elevate the level of safety and aesthetics within the sports environment." She emphasized that the "Food, Not Medicine" nutritional education program includes nutritional awareness, addressing the observed decline in nutritional awareness among community members, which negatively impacts children's health (obesity, underweight, malnutrition, and food poisoning). The program provides training on choosing balanced and appropriate foods to promote health and safety. Behzad added, "To participate in the event, please fill out the form attached to the invitation. The program link will be sent on the designated day, which is Saturday in Arabic and Sunday in English, at 7:00 PM Mecca time each week.".
