Ecopedagogy

Representatives from Liepaja Rainis Secondary School and the association Radi Vidi Pats took part in an international eco-pedagogy training in Lithuania.

From 22 to 30 September 2025 in the small picturesque village of Antalieptes, Zarasai district, Lithuania, an international non-formal education training for youth workers took place under the title Ecopedagogy in Youth Work: Pedagogy for Earth.

The training was organised by the NGO Darnios Jungtys from Panevėžys, bringing together participants from several countries around the world working in the fields of youth education, environmental protection and sustainable development. Latvia was represented in this project by the association Radi Vidi Pats from Liepaja. 

The training was attended by Sigita, eco coordinator of Liepaja Rainis Primary School, and Martins, teacher, who actively promote environmental education and sustainable thinking among children and young people on a daily basis. Also among the participants were Radi Vidi Pats volunteer mentor Edīte and activist Anna. 

What was the training about?

The aim of the training was to introduce participants to the principles of ecopedagogy - an approach that combines environmental education with social justice and sustainable living. It included:

    - How to build an education based on respect for nature and people;

    - How to encourage young people to think critically and actively participate in social change;

    - How to use creative and experiential methods with young people to raise awareness about climate change, consumption, conservation and co-responsibility.

The training was based on non-formal education methods - group work, practical workshops, hikes, sharing and reflection. A safe, open and inspiring environment was created where participants could both learn from each other and share their experiences and ideas.

What did we learn from this experience?

It was a valuable and inspiring experience that reinforced the importance of environmental education in today's world. The methods and approaches learnt will be integrated into the daily work of the school and into the activities with young people organised by Radi Vidi Pats. This experience shows that change starts with education - education that encourages thinking, feeling and doing. And that we can all be agents of change, whatever our age or profession.

Article prepared by Sigita

The project is funded with support from the Erasmus Plus programme of the European Commission. This article reflects the views only of the author.