The Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre (AEEC) hosted 5,200 students since September last year, with experts delivering key environmental programs for both primary and secondary schools.
After working in conjunction with the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development (EESD) the centre’s manager, Dr. Thomas Hadjikyriakou, said he was thrilled with the 160 school visits from all over the island and called the year ‘very productive’.
He said: “Educational programmes covered various environmental subjects and the programs offered at AEEC provided opportunities for both teachers and students to approach ecological and cultural matters in a real environment.
“We offered schools a unique experience with the opportunity to connect with nature. Each visit begins with a captivating story about the creation of the Akrotiri Peninsula, highlighting the importance of turtle nesting beaches and the beautiful wetlands.
“Students then explored our exhibition areas through an interactive QR code game, watched an engaging film that explained the ecological importance of the peninsula, observed birds at the Salt Lake using telescopes and enjoyed the outdoor play area.”
EESD teacher, Koula Michael, who works at the centre, added: “The AEEC operates on a daily basis with school groups of all ages, from all districts.
“Students aged five to 18, their teachers and university groups, have the opportunity to come into contact and interact with the natural environment of the Akrotiri Peninsula through various activities to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
Some of the popular programs offered at AEEC this year for Pre-primary and primary education were ’Magic – Nature – Senses’ and for older students at Secondary schools, ’Basket making at Akrotiri village’, ’The protected wetlands of the Akrotiri Peninsula and their importance’, ‘Reducing the ecological footprint’ and ‘The operation of AEEC’.
The AEEC is located at Akrotiri village. For more information on the educational programmes and the application process, visit: https://mepaa.moec.gov.cy/index.php/el/ and for tours and exploring contact the centre on: Tel: 25826562, Email: [email protected]
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