Otago primary school principals are praising the Government's U-turn on cuts to funding for Education for Sustainability (EFS) in New Zealand schools.
Otago Primary Principals' Association president and Wakari School principal Brent Caldwell said the National Government cut EFS funding for advisers around the country in 2009, and put Enviroschools on notice that they had six months to develop their own model for ongoing funding.
"It is encouraging to see that the Government has seen sense and acknowledged that to further enhance our country's environmental sustainability practices, we need to focus on our children and work hard to develop their sense of place and strengthen respect for the environment."
He said a quick tour around Otago schools would show that despite the 2009 cuts, many of them continued their mission unsupported, and had remained committed to ensuring the next generation was well-versed on their environmental responsibilities.
"This return of the funding will no doubt be a great relief to those involved in Enviroschools," he said.
Budget 2012 would provide $7.6 million over the next four years for an education programme which would give school pupils a hands-on approach to looking after the environment, Environment Minister Amy Adams and Mâori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said.
Enviroschools and Te Aho Tu Roa (the Maori immersion approach) encourages children, their schools and their families to think and act sustainably at school, at home and in everyday life.
"I'm pleased that, in tight economic times, we can provide substantial funding for this valuable programme as a result of the Government's confidence and supply agreement with the Mâori Party," Ms Adams said.
