China Program Review 2002
Other Social Enterprise Projects:
Environmental Action Program for Educators
Educators and volunteers are target groups that have the capacity to reach out to a wider segment of the population. As such, the aim of this program is to assist educators to identify relevant environmental issues and design sustainable projects to mobilize people at the grassroots to address these issues. By enhancing our target groups' capability and harnessing their knowledge and skills, participants will, in turn, be stimulated to initiate social action for environmental protection.
Guangzhou EAP Follow-up Evaluation
In April of 2002, a follow-up evaluation was made to the participants of the October 2001 training program. Forty-seven participants, representing 74% of the total number of participants, attended the evaluation session. Ninety percent (90%) of these indicated a marked increase in environmental awareness and 65% reported various degrees of changes in their behavior and way of life towards becoming more environmentally friendly. Sixty five percent (65%) indicated that they had made improvements in their teaching methodology for environmental education in the schools. All seven schools visited had carried out projects successfully involving students and parents. At the closing ceremony during which a "Certificate of Completion" was awarded to participants, the directors of both the Education and Environmental Protection departments were present to show their support.
Xian Universities Students EAP Training
In October of 2002, and in collaboration with the Women's Federation of Shaanxi Province, 59 participants comprising students, teachers and community workers from 13 universities, attended a 4 day training session. According to the participants' evaluation, the greatest impact was the change of mindset and the realization that through use of the consultative process, it was possible to initiate and sustain a growing number of environmental activities at the grassroots and to involve many people in cooperative action to better the environment. The participants are expected to report on their projects by January of 2003. After those reports are received, an evaluation visit will be conducted to assess the impact of the project.
Enhancing the Learning Environment
Significant progress has been made in testing and revising course materials for the Enhancing the Learning Environment Program. These materials are available in both Chinese and English. Despite the progress in the materials themselves, the Badi Foundation met a significant setback in its efforts to deliver the material in collaboration with various educational institutions in China. Initially, three institutions agreed to host trainings. Later, all three cancelled due to funding difficulties. The Badi Foundation is now exploring alternative approaches for course delivery.