By Jose Carlos Alaniz

Eco-Schools is an international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that aims to empower students to be the change our sustainable world needs by engaging them in fun, action-orientated and socially responsible learning.

Each school follows a seven-step change process and empowers their young people to lead processes and actions wherever they can.

Over time and through commitment to the Eco-Schools Seven Step process, improvements will be seen in both the learning outcomes, attitude and behavior of students and the local community, and ultimately the local environment. Evidence of success in these areas will eventually lead to a school being awarded with the International Green Flag.

Eco-Schools is one of the programmes recognized by the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005- 2014), awarding certificates to thousands of schools around the world.

The Eco-Schools programme extends from kindergartens to universities and is implemented in 67 countries, involving 51,000 schools and institutions, and over 19,000,000 students. It is the largest international network of teachers and students in the world.

ASF recently signed an agreement with Eco-Schools, committing to follow the seven-step change process during the next 11 months in an attempt to receive a Green Flag. To succeed, the program requires full support from both the leadership team and the Board. The active participation of staff is essential, as is the long-term commitment and willingness to involve students in decision-making. There are four other schools in Mexico City who have achieved the Green Flag.

We want to invite the school community to join the parent committees for which they can contact Katie Zellhoefer (zellhoeferk@asf.edu.mx), as well as each sustainability committee in each division led by José Carlos Alaniz (alanizj@asf.edu.mx)

This is a great opportunity to join in communal efforts for a greater and good cause which will build a better future for our children.