United Way's educational programs represent more than 60% of the Foundation's work. To date, tens of thousands of children have received support with homework, school supplies, warm meals or healthy snacks, as well as access to non-formal educational activities. The latter include activities on environmental education.

Since 2022, the topic of environmental protection and sustainability has become a priority in our educational programs and it is addressed monthly through various attractive activities for children. The circuit of water in nature, the greenhouse effect, food, water and paper waste, selective recycling are just some of the topics addressed in the educational centers of United Way in Bucharest and surroundings, Cluj and Timiș, where we support over 4000 children from disadvantaged communities.

”We believe that the protection of the environment is a matter of immediate concern and that no effort is too small to bring a change for the better. And as we believe that only through education can we truly bring about lasting change, we set out to conduct regular environmental educational activities as part of our educational programs”. - Adriana Dobrea, Executive Director of United Way Romania

Environmental education - practical and theoretical activities

Thus, children learn in a practical and interactive way about: selective recycling, proper disposal and storage of any type of waste, efficient use of resources, combating food and water waste, or energy efficiency. They also learn about soil pollution, water pollution, air pollution, but also about climate change and its impact on life on Earth. The new knowledge acquired is evaluated both through practical and theoretical activities, and by following the changes in children's behavior.

Children are involved in sanitation and cleaning of courtyards and green spaces in the centers. They also create green spaces from scratch by planting trees, flowers and vegetables. When possible, parents participate in these activities along with their children.

Environmental education does not have an immediate impact, but it does have the effect of a drop that digs into stone and brings radical long-term changes. Therefore, we consider it an effort worth making consistently.

Join our initiative and support environmental education in United Way centers through a donation HERE or Send VIITOR via SMS and DONATE MONTHLY 2 euros to 8844.