STORY PREVIEW

2023

Rewilding for Change

Frederick Irwin Anglican Scholl

Western Australia

MENTOR

Jonathan Butcher

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

Students at Frederick Irwin Anglican College began by exploring challenges and problems what bothered them. Some including homelessness, environment and gender inequality.

State the problem chosen to work and why.

They decided to focus on issues such as the excessive litter on school grounds, attracting crows and pigeons and the need for better sustainability practices and native wildlife conservation. Through discussions, they decided to focus on rewilding their school environment and reducing litter, aiming to create a cleaner, greener, and more inviting space for native species while fostering pride in their school.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

The entire school community, who experienced the consequences of litter and the negative impact on wildlife. As well as native birds, as invasive species outcompeted them due to environmental changes.

Step 2 Imagine

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

The students brainstormed many ideas; including planting trees, decorating the bins on campus, and starting a worm farm.

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

The students formed three working groups, each with a unique focus to address the problem: 1. Tree-Planting Group: Rewild the school with native trees to encourage desirable bird species. 2. Bin-Decorating Group: Design and decorate bins to promote waste management, tying them to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 3. Technology Group: Create bins equipped with laser sensors that play sounds when used, mimicking a basketball game to gamify waste disposal. Each group would contribute to the overarching goal of reducing litter and creating an environmentally friendly space.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

Tree-Planting Group: Collaborated with the organisation "Men of the Trees," which donated six native trees. Also, fundraised over $400 through gold coin donations from school through a PJ dress up at the end of the school term. Bin-Decorating Group: Designed, painted and decorated bins based on different SDGs Technology Group: Planned and prototyped bins equipped with laser sensors that would trigger sound effects when used, creating a fun, game-like experience. Although still in the planning phase, Year 5 students expressed enthusiasm for continuing this project next year.

What was the result or impact of your project?

People Impacted: The entire school community of over 500 students and staff. Students were moved and encouraged to dispose of their waste appropriately. Environmental Impact: Encouraged native bird populations and reduced litter.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

500

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

"The decorated bins are being filled up much faster compared to the others! Kids are putting their rubbish away!"

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

Funding: The students overcame financial barriers through fundraising with a pj day at the end of the school tern Time Management: Weekly meetings helped keep the groups on track. Resource communication and information: Experienced difficulty keeping in touch with external organisations (Man of the Trees); such as getting the prices of each tree type

How long did it take to implement your solution?

MORE THAN 30 DAYS

Which global goals does your story align with?

Sustainable cities and communities

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

This project focused on the sustainability of the school, however through the project of the bins, many other STGs were promoted and advocated for.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

The students shared their progress and ideas during school assemblies, showcasing the newly decorated bins, emphasising their connection to SDGs as well as the importance of sustainability.

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

Tree-Planting Group: The trees will continue to grow, providing lasting benefits to the school ecosystem. Bin-Decorating Group: The bins will remain functional and serve as an ongoing project for students to decorate and promote SDG goals. Technology Group: The gamified bins will be further developed next year, keeping the momentum alive.

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