AMAREWA (Mother’s Hope) - Innovative Education for Sustainable Development in Rural Schools in China’s First National Park

The programme is designed and executed based on intensive investigation and multi-stakeholder consultation. Key activities: development of local textbook, need-based capacity building for teachers, student-centered mindset and innovation, co-school scheme, schools to impact communities, mult-stakeholder dialogue. 1)in 2016: local needs identified through on-site investigation of 250 students in 6 schools and detailed interviews of 50 stakeholders. 30 teachers attended training workshops. Customized ESD textbook was compiled and trail used in a school. 2)in 2017: the textbook officially published in People Education Press, and used by 20,000 students in four counties. Innovative ESD, e.g. educational theatre and sustainable natural resources management education launched in a pilot school. 3)in 2018: deepening of ESD innovations in pilot schools, expanding to communities and over 2,000 herders 4)In 2019: one pilot school was certified as the first international eco-school in reserved area in the Plateau. it becomes a ESD model school and learning-center. Its practices expanded to five schools and 50 teachers qualified as ESD educators. 5)in 2020: ESD applied in 13 schools and 5500 students/teachers. An educator guidebook is compiled. Two more schools certified as eco-school which were the first of its kind in Chinese national parks. A profound Results-based monitoring (input-output-outcome-impact) system is used. Quarterly and annual evaluation is conducted through questionnaire survey, interview and on-site investigation. Resources: 1) financial support from foundations; 2) long-term government partnership via MOU and annual multi-stakeholder forum; 3) in-kind support from schools and government, e.g. transportation and venues; 4) dedicated FUQUN implementing team and experts.