Environmental Protection Minister Erdan: "I attach major importance to the ability of the educational system to influence the general public by instilling environmental values in the younger generation. Education for environmental protection is quality education which connects the younger generation to the environment in which it lives and leads youth to think and act on behalf of the future."

Environmental Protection Minister Gideon Sa'ar: "Environmental and social considerations should play a central role in decision making. The right way to instill environmental values is through education from early childhood and by encouraging responsibility taking and social involvement. Social change can only take place by means of education and students serve as the major significant catalyst for change. Our commitment to a sustainable lifestyle which takes account of environmental protection and the wise use of natural resources is a commitment to the present generation and to future generations."

The prize ceremony is part of a comprehensive program spearheaded by the Education and Environmental Protection Ministries to integrate education for sustainability in the educational system and to transform environmental subjects into an integral part of both the curriculum and way of life in the school. The joint program includes: training of school and kindergarten teachers, development and assimilation of school plans on sustainability, training of youth movement leaders, production of study materials, and other activities.

Winners of the 2010 Educational Awards

Schools excelling in environmental education

• First place: Afeq Rosh Ha'ayin;
• Second place: Hagefen Ramat Gan, Itamar Netanyah;
• Third Place: Merchavim Kfar Yehoshua Regional School, Elementary School B, Daliat el Carmel.

Kindergartens excelling in environmental education:

• First Place: Gan Naveh, Neot Golan;
• Second Place: Gan Ayalim, Ein Ayalah;
• Third Place: Gan Shkediah, Tel Aviv.

Environmental Initiatives in Schools:

• First Place: Shoham High School;
• Second Place: Begin High School, Gedera;
• Third Place: Atid High School, Taibe;
• Fourth Place: Amit School, Sderot.

Winners of Outstanding Research Studies:

• Hitham Ab'ad, Al Mutran School, Nazareth (research on the contribution of soil cover to improved sprouting and investigation of resident awareness of the benefits of soil cover);
• Molly Barkai and Tom Rachmani, Aviv High School, Ra'anana (research on the impact of speed bumps on noise intensity on the road);
• Chen Imano, Rotem Segev, Assaf Gat, Ma'ale Shacharut School Yotveta (research on the potential impacts of the Dead to Red Sea Canal on groundwater salinity in the Arava).

More about the Winners

The winning schools have one common denominator: all have set out to instill green behavioral norm in the school environment. All have advanced study of the environment and sustainability and the students in these schools have made excellent headway in these subjects.

In parallel, the schools reduced their consumption of water, electricity and paper and facilitated the collection and separation of waste for recycling - bottles, paper, batteries, organic waste, toners and electronic waste. They also took steps to promote community and local authority activities, recruiting them to initiate green activities - recycling, collection of dog waste, reduced use of plastic bag, and cultivation of neglected areas.

More Links:

	Environmental Education
	Green Educational Institutes