Ecole Olds High School students to implement eco-projects after national UNESCO conference

“It gave me much more hope,” said Shelby Schekk, a Grade 11 EOHS student, “knowing that we can take action.”

“I felt seen… being around people who care about the climate as much as I do,” said Keianna Aubin, a Grade 10 EOHS student.

“It was eye opening seeing other people’s perspectives, how climate challenges differ across the country, and that there are people who care and want to help,” said Ashton Bird, a Grade 9 EOHS student.

Students attended a variety of sessions all focused around the theme of climate change and sustainability. Schekk said she enjoyed learning about water filtration and Indigenous storytelling connected to climate change.

Sadlemyer said the session on fast fashion “really showed me how much fashion comes through exploited people.”

The fast fashion session stood out to Bird too, who said he also feels frustrated about the exploitation of workers. “Also, I learned about greenwashing – and how companies sometimes market themselves as environmentally friendly but are just doing that to make themselves look better,” said Bird. “I liked hearing different ideas about what we can do.”

Aubin liked hearing from student presenters who shared what they have done to make a difference.

“It took courage for them to share their projects in front of everyone,” said Aubin. “It helped us see what you can do for your own action plan in your school.”

The five EOHS students have several projects in mind, following the conference. First, they plan to create planter boxes that they will place around their school, containing plants native to Alberta. Their hope is that students and staff who see the planters will come to understand more about the environmental impact of what plants they choose to use. Also, the group is interested in creating environments favorable to pollinators.

Finally, the students are hoping to add an additional clothing swap to the one the school is already doing.

“I feel a strong connection to the earth,” said Schekk. “I have my own garden box and I want to learn more about Indigenous plants.”

Sadlemyer echoed the sentiment, when she said, “I feel a strong connection and love for the earth and Indigenous plants. I want to learn more.”

Bev Toews, an Academic Coach and Indigenous Liaison at EOHS, traveled to Toronto with the students, along with Laurel Cummings, a teacher at EOHS.

Lorelai Smith, a Grade 11 student, not quoted in this article, attended the conference as well.

“It was wonderful to see the students come together and become friends through this experience,” said Toews. “And now this group of students, who cared about climate change before they went to the conference, are armed with ideas and connected with each other so they can take action. It’s empowering for them.”

“Climate change is an issue that can be overwhelming and can cause eco-anxiety. An experience like the UNESCO student conference empowers students with action. I am excited to see where this can go and how we can involve the rest of our school community,” said Toews.

Toews said she hopes to work with the five students to involve other EOHS students and staff to work on their projects together.

“Bringing people together is powerful, and it can plant seeds that grow into positive change.”

Toews is also excited about next year, as EOHS plans to host either the national or a regional UNESCO student conference in the spring of 2025.

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by Chinook's Edge School Division

Ecole Olds High School students to implement eco-projects after national UNESCO conference

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