With a keen interest in environmental issues, Sylvia has travelled across Europe to raise awareness of biodiversity among young people, combining nature observation with artistic expression. Thanks to her expertise and enthusiasm, she led engaging workshops, enabling the pupils to connect more deeply with their natural surroundings. This awareness-raising programme is being rolled out across several schools and aligns with the objectives of Sow my Dream, which aims to raise environmental awareness among younger generations.
A European tour promoting environmental education
During her tour of Europe, Sylvia visited several schools where she ran workshops, including in Hamburg and Stockholm. Each stage gave the pupils the opportunity to learn about biodiversity, whilst exploring the links between nature and art in a fun and creative way.
At the École Française de Saint-Exupéry (Hamburg), the Year 5 pupils had the opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna. Whilst exploring an urban park near their school, the children observed animals such as grey herons and squirrels, whilst creating drawings of tree bark directly on the trees using charcoal. This activity gave the pupils a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, whilst stimulating their creativity and powers of observation.
At Theodor Haubach Schule (Hamburg), Year 1 and Year 2 pupils explored the tracks left by wildlife. Using clues such as feathers, footprints and shells found in the field, the children reproduced these traces using pastels and charcoal, thereby combining science and art in an exercise that was both educational and artistic.
The Ecomap: an innovative awareness-raising tool
Sylvia’s journey didn’t end in Hamburg. One of the highlights of the project was running an Ecomap workshop in Sweden, on the island of Stora, located in the heart of the Stockholm archipelago. It was on this island, surrounded by forests and fjords, that 60 Year 3 pupils from the Lycée Français Saint-Louis explored their surroundings. Using Ecomap, a tool developed by Sow my Dream, the children sketched their local area, depicting the houses, tall trees, lake and river that surround their school. They also reflected on the visible changes in their environment, such as the increasing urbanisation that is gradually encroaching on nature. Cet exercice a permis aux élèves de prendre conscience de l’impact de l’urbanisation sur la biodiversité, tout en stimulant leur créativité et leur réflexion sur les solutions pour protéger la nature.
Sow my Dream: a programme that encourages young people to get involved
Through these workshops, Sow my Dream continues to highlight the importance of biodiversity and environmental education. Le programme permet aux enfants de devenir des champions de la biodiversité, en les sensibilisant dès le plus jeune âge à l’importance de la nature et en les encourageant à développer des actions concrètes pour sa préservation. Sylvia, with her expertise and passion for nature, has played a vital role in passing on this vision to younger generations.
To download the Ecomap for free, click here: An environmentally friendly map