Educational institutions in Saskatoon have highlighted the work of students to reduce water consumption through the Student Action for a Sustainable Future (SASF) program.
One of the highlights from SASF projects comes from Saskatoon Misbah School where students conducted audits that focused on conserving water during a cleansing process called wudu. Wudu is performed by Muslims before prayer as a type of ritual purification. During this procedure, the hands, mouth, nostrils, arms, head, and feet are washed with water. By helping each other conserve and measure the amount of water used, the students saw a savings of 527 litres of water per day. If they keep up this action, they could save up to 94,000 litres of water every year.
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s SASF Coordinator, Leah Luciuk, commends the program for its student-driven approach to teaching and learning, stating “SASF gives teachers and students the experience they need to become environmental leaders in their schools and community. The results on display at the Student Showcase prove that students’ small actions can influence a much larger solution.” The Saskatchewan Environmental Society also provides support for the program by conducting audits on resource use for student projects, providing the factual insights required for students to understand project impact.
This project and over 50 other projects from schools across the city will be on display at the Student Action for a Sustainable Future year end showcase held today, April 26th, at the Western Development Museum. School board trustees, superintendents, government representatives, family members, community organizations, and media representatives have been invited to view, engage and interact with the teachers, students and their projects.
Since the program’s inception in 2013 it has involved 60 teachers, 44 schools, and approximately 1600 students while reaching over 18,100 students via school displays, assemblies, and newsletters. The program has also received both international and local recognition.
The SASF program is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Public School Division, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, the Sustainability Education Research Institute, and a number of educational stakeholders and community organizations.
The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to community environmental programs supports the City’s Strategic Goal of Environmental Leadership.
