“Can you imagine learning about disaster prevention?” Today we explore Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School. This school stands as a testament to community engagement. It emphasizes disaster preparedness and environmental stewardship.
Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School enriches its curriculum. It integrates local resources and fosters a sense of responsibility in its students. Since joining the UNESCO Associated Schools Network in 2012, the school has been actively involved. It promotes education for sustainable development.
Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School is located in Umezu Hiraki-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. You can reach them at 075-881-5130. Their website offers a glimpse into their activities.
A key focus is “environmental education with the Uzukawa River as the axis”. Students engage in activities related to the Uzukawa River. First and second graders explore the school district including the Uzukawa River. Third graders find and share the good things about their school. Fourth graders study the river’s environment. Older students work with locals to clean the Uzukawa River. All students participate in waste separation.
The school’s location gives it a special connection to the environment. The students explore the Uzukawa River and its surroundings. This creates awareness and encourages environmental stewardship. They exchange observations about the Uzukawa River. The children’s interest grows. They consult with protectors and investigate further.
Third-grade students expand on what they learned. They conduct interviews to learn about “Umekita’s appeal”. They realize how much the community loves the Uzukawa River. In March, they collaborate with locals. They decorate lanterns for the cherry trees. This highlights the beauty of the Uzukawa River.
Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School participates in Kyoto City’s Eco-Life Challenge. Fourth-grade students learn about the Uzukawa River. They work with the Katsura River fisheries association. The students reduce their impact by changing their lifestyles. They present their ideas. They get feedback from protectors.
Older students work with local residents. Together they clean the Uzukawa River. Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School has disaster prevention education. Sixth graders learn about disaster prevention. They consider what they can do during a disaster.
Guest teachers from the Umezu Fire Station teach about disaster prevention. They cover evacuation sites and roles as community members. The school simulates running an evacuation center. They use cardboard beds and simple toilets. Guest teachers from Kitamezu Autonomous Disaster Prevention Association lecture about disaster prevention. Students summarize what they can do.
Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School also focuses on welfare education. Fourth graders interact with residents. They visit the Fujioka nursing facility. They sing and do origami together. They deepen their exchanges. They invite specialists to lecture about dementia. They learn how to help people with dementia.
Next year Kyoto City Umezukita Elementary School plans to improve the Uzukawa River. They will improve disaster prevention education and welfare education. The school strives to create independent learning. This learning will be useful for their future lives. This ensures that students not only learn but also grow. They learn to be responsible citizens.