Knowledge sharing is a significant part of ResiRiver. Not only within the project itself, but also with the wider public. Two of our colleagues from Dundalk Institute of Technology are running an environmental education programme called H2O Heroes. Let yourself get inspired as they introduce you to their passion project!
What is the H2O Heroes programme?
Set up by Dr. Suzanne Linnane and Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, H2O Heroes is a science-based environmental education outreach programme based at the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in Ireland. The H2O Heroes programme is all about connecting children (mainly 8-17 year olds) with their local lakes and rivers. It demonstrates the importance of both science and natural water habitats in their everyday lives – with a clear focus on the link between human activity and water quality and quantity.
Suzanne and Caroline work together to coordinate the H2O Heroes programme and work with enthusiastic postgraduate and undergraduate student volunteers to bring authentic real-life science and lots of fun to school children across the North-East of Ireland.
The importance of creating heroes
The programme is an important one. Studies have shown that if children are educated about water related topics early on, they can acquire life-long attitudes and behaviour that promotes water conservation. That is why H2O Heroes focuses on building environmental competence. Also, as future environmental custodians, children are key stakeholders and need to be equipped with the necessary skillsets to ensure that environmental awareness becomes a building block in their future decision making. Children are active, competent agents and can be influential in families and communities.
From heroes to superheroes
DkIT’s research has shown that participation in the H2O Heroes programme empowers children as agents of environmental change. It successfully improves their environmental awareness and even effects behavioural change within their families. The goal? To inspire, inform and engage. This enables participants to become real life H2O Heroes and ambassadors for the protection of our most valuable resource, water, as well as recognise the value of science in their everyday lives.
To date, over 3,000 children have become certified H2O Heroes. The programme’s goal is to expand the reach in 2025 by visiting more schools and training teachers to become H2O superheroes, further spreading their message.
The connection between H2O Heroes and ResiRiver
The work being undertaken by the ResiRiver project around the mainstreaming and upscaling of NbS in riverine systems represents a challenge and will require ‘buy in’ from stakeholders in local communities. A lack of understanding and limited knowledge around the benefits and co-benefits of NbS impairs progress in many pilot sites. The mainstreaming of NbS requires the involvement and active participation of both public and the private sector, as well as civil society. By integrating NbS into education and classrooms through the H2O Heroes programme, children and wider society can gain a better understanding of the benefits of NbS. DkIT can respond to the need within its communities for sustainability-aware citizens able to make informed decisions.
Want to read more about H2O Heroes? Check out their website or YouTube video!
