Discovery

Jessica's Holiday

Instead of spending Easter veging out, catching up with school work, seeing the latest films and visiting the mall, Kamo High School seventh-former Jessica McCulloch spent five days of the Easter holidays at EnviroSchool 98.

With sponsorship from the Canterbury Environmental Trust, Jessica flew from Whangarei to Christchurch to take part in EnviroSchool 98 at Lincoln University. Her aim was to increase her understanding of environmental issues. Jessica is secretary of Kamo High School's Environment Committee, is active in the seventh form project creating a mangrove reserve, is subeditor of the school magazine (with special responsibility for environmental issues).

"I am hoping to study environmental science in the future," said Jessica. "Taking part in EnviroSchool seemed like a really good way of learning more, experiencing University life, and focusing my direction for my career."

Jessica joined 60 other school students from around the country. In a mixed programme of lectures, field experiences and "hands-fingers-feet-on" workshops, the students were exposed to environmental issues ranging from climate change to drift-netting to the problems of farming within the Resource Management Act. A highlight of the week was a visit to the Antarctic Centre.

"It was the first time I've touched snow," said one enthusiast. Others were more concerned with the graphic descriptions of life on the ice and the difficulties associated with living in one set of clothes for six weeks.

At the end of the week the students contributed to an open discussion during which their main concerns were listed. These have been turned into a "Greenprint for the new millennium" which is being sent to ministers and ministries.

In all activities the importance of understanding the interrelationships of activities and the complexity of our world was underlined. "Students are always filled with energy and concern," said Dr Graeme Buchan, the instigator of EnviroSchool. "Our challenge is to harness some of that emotional energy into increased understanding and action. We hope that some of these students will be the scientists of the future."

EnviroSchool runs every two years with major sponsorship from ECNZ, BP and Rotary. It is open to 6th and 7th form students from all over New Zealand. In January 2000, Lincoln University will host students from around the world at the "Youth Environment Summit 2000".

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth isa Senior Lecturer in Plant Physiology at Lincoln University.