YES for environment, SPED scholars

For one week next month, elementary and high school students will learn ways to protect the environment.

Organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and youth environment groups, the Youth for Environment Summer (YES) Camp will be held May 1 to 5 at the Teachers Camp and the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said, “With its theme, ‘Handa Ka na ba? (Climate Change Adaptation: The Next Level)’, the YES Camp emphasizes the significance of climate change adaptation and steps up awareness and action to achieve a level of preparedness among individuals, schools and communities nationwide.”

Organizers are inviting public and private elementary and high school students to join the camp.

Registration fee is P4,800, which would cover accommodation, meals and transportation, DepEd said.

The camp aims to bolster DepEd’s efforts on environmental education by developing green awareness, encouraging students’ participation in pro-environment action and instilling “environmental values in every pupil and student to motivate actual involvement in worthwhile programs, projects and activities for the environment.”

The week will include plenary sessions and break-out sessions, with participants grouped by regions for panel discussions on environmental issues.

Top environment and disaster response officials will address the sessions.

The week will also feature a quiz show, a debate and a poster-making contest. Participants will take part in Sayawit [Sayaw at Awit sa Kalikasan], a song-and-dance show for the environment.

Meanwhile, 30 of the country’s special education (SPED) teachers handling children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can participate in a scholarship program April 10-May 5 at Philippine Normal University in Manila.

Through the 2012 scholarship program for SPED teachers, grantees will have the chance to update their skills on current trends in ASD.

Luistro said the scholarship program was in support of the department’s thrust to improve the quality of education for children with ASD.

He said DepEd wanted to provide teacher-scholars with knowledge and skills on various educational programs and keep them abreast of advances in research and interventions for special learners.

Under an inclusive education campaign, DepEd is currently implementing programs that embrace all kinds of learners.

The SPED teacher scholars were beneficiaries of the 2011 scholarship and organized programs and classes for children with ASD. They are expected to work for DepEd for at least two years after the training.