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ESD practice in the Associated Schools
Project Network
Development of global vision through joint learning with
overseas partners (Omose Elementary School)
This initiative uses the waterfront environment shared
by the participants’ communities in Japan and in the
United States as a topic to encourage the development
of children’s sensitivity and scientific curiosity about
the natural environment through such experiences
as observation, investigation, fieldwork and raising
animals. Information technology is used to enable
learning exchanges with elementary schools in the US,
fostering children’s global outlook and laying the basis
for positive environmental action.
Linking different subjects for integrated learning
An initiative at Shinonome Elementary School links
children’s learning on themes such as shopping, water
and garbage to related subjects, such as Japanese
language, social studies, science and periods for inte-
grated learning. The purpose of this is to promote
In order to further entrench the concept of ESD, the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) sees
UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project Network as a hub for promot-
ing ESD. The Network aims to realize the ideals of UNESCO and to
promote peace and international collaboration through classroom
practice. Therefore, MEXT is working to increase the number of
associated schools.
The main pillars of ESD in UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project
Network are education in international understanding and environmen-
tal education. Japan hopes that, by increasing the number of associated
schools and strengthening the network among them, schools will be
encouraged to share and reinforce their activities in collaboration with
businesses and NPOs, enabling ESD to take root in their communities.
At the same time, a number of ministries and agencies are working
together to develop and renovate school facilities to make themmore
environmentally friendly and to promote environmental education
through this process, while the Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
is taking action to encourage environmental education involving
community leaders and children, eco-club activities to promote
environmental conservation, and environmental education activi-
ties in extracurricular programmes.
ESD practice in the ASP, Omose Elementary School
Image: Japanese Nat. Comm. for UNESCO