: More than 1,100 schools and early learning centres (ELC) across Australia will receive funds to help build and develop hands-on environmental learning projects through this year's Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. Each school will be awarded a grant of up to $1,000 in the coming weeks as the program celebrates its fifth year.
The program has awarded grants to projects focused on sustainable food production, waste management and biodiversity, as well as 325 grants that will focus on expanding students' First Nations perspectives education and deepening their connection to Country.
Woolworths Community Program Manager, Loretta Arrastia, said: "We hope that both students and educators have fun as they explore new learning experiences that connect with the natural environment. It's all about getting hands-on with nature and helping kids learn about the different ways they can care for their local environment."
Students looking for fun ways to get involved in environmental sustainability activities can also check out Junior Landcare's online Learning Centre, with hundreds of free activities for all ages. There is a series of First Nations perspectives learning activities developed for Junior Landcare by First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man, Adam Shipp. It includes activities exploring First Nations peoples' languages maps, Indigenous weather knowledge and creating Indigenous plant use gardens.
Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: "For over 25 years Junior Landcare has recognised the vital role children and young people play in caring for the environment. Thanks to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants, and the Woolworths-supported Junior Landcare Learning Centre, young people have an opportunity to experience hands-on learning with environmental education."
Adam Shipp said: "The knowledge from our Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive. Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year.
"From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker - these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems in their everyday environments."
To date, including the latest round, Woolworths has contributed over $5 million to more than 4,900 Junior Landcare projects across Australia and reaching more than 400,000 kids.
