Overseas Schools “Wise Lives Now!” Program

The program has enormous global application:

Welcome like-minded colleagues concerned with the state
of our global environment.

We appreciate that it is not only our Australian children that are becoming increasingly disconnected from their natural world as a result of our modern lifestyle. That it would be a growing phenomenon in other countries across the globe and probably one that you are familiar with in your country.

We hope that this resource will provide you and your colleagues with creative and imaginative ideas that will assist in encouraging your children in changing their approach and relationship to their natural world and connect them to an understanding that our environmental concerns and problems are related to our lifestyle choices. That there is now an urgent need to act responsibly by moderating those lifestyle choices and to manage our natural resources in a more sustainable manner.

On analysis there may be differences in environmental issues that different countries face but what we all have in common is how our life style choices have and continue to put unsustainable pressure on natural systems.
We cannot escape the fact that climate change is not contained to one corner of the globe we all contribute globally and we can all make a difference globally.
We must question as to what kind of environment should we be leaving our grand children and future generations.

The appeal of the programs approach lies in the use of stories that all share a common understanding of the environment to touch the listener at a deeper emotional level
and change the way they see their world
Stories show us the reality of our world as it is by exposing our human foibles and weaknesses.
The programs stories expose the folly of human beings in not respecting their natural environment and the natural law
In these stories we see how greed, envy and ignorance lead us down a road where judgement is swift and sure.
But from despair we are provided with hope and optimism that good common sense will prevail.

Every country can relate to how their natural environment has experienced mindless exploitation and in some cases irreversible damage.
These stories can assist students to explore not only present deterioration of environment but act as a springboard to explore their countries history and identify reasons for why and how their ancient forests, waterways and native animals disappeared.
Eg. many forests in Europe were denuded through providing timber for ships to preserve their maritime status.

True stories help to lift our vision for the future or enable us to create a world that is more caring and humane.

Preparation:
We have left in curriculum outcomes and indicators with the possibility that there may be some similarity with your own.
Some stories suggested for reflection may be difficult to access but a search of your library should reveal some ideal alternatives.
One resource that we do recommend for understanding climate change is the Saving Hieronymous Kit. Please indicate any problems, for a small fee we will purchase and forward on.
Many activities do of course relate to and explore local issues. With a little imagination they can easily be adapted for your local situation.

Earthsharer Personal Development Programs.
A flow on effect from the environmental programs has been a focus on improving  our children’s emotional wellbeing. This has led to the development of the Earthsharer personal development programs based on renowned Dr. Pat Palmers successful approach with assisting kids to have good relationship with themselves. www.drpatpalmer.com.
As teachers in the classroom and parents at home we experience the increasing social pressures on our children.  Stress, self-image, peer pressure, family breakdown, abuse, depression and suicide influence and impact on children’s school and family life. Again as educators we are increasingly being made aware of our children’s lack of or disconnection with things environmental and spiritual.
Earthsharer Programs targets improving children’s attitudes and feelings towards the environment and ultimately their emotional well-being.
If you feel we can offer assistance for your particular situation please follow prompts for for accessing more information.

If you have not already done so please  go to the “Wise Lives Now!”Overview and Introduction prompts to discover more about the workings of the program.   “Wise Lives Now!” Snapshots button will provide brief practical  examples of some of the activities used in the programs or go direct to the following Stage relevant to your teaching needs on how to purchase  the cd rom or access programs on line.