Teachers and School Leaders Gather in Padang for GEDSI and Climate Change Education Workshop

Teachers and school leaders from the Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program recently gathered in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia for an impactful workshop focused on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Climate Change Education. Facilitated over two days in  December 2024, the workshop aimed to equip educators with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of GEDSI and explore strategies for their school that will support them to create equitable and inclusive school environments.

 

The workshop featured a panel discussion with experts in the field, including Dr. Nofi Yendri Sudiar, M.Si., M.CE., a renowned climate change and environmental science expert, who shared his insights on climate change education. Dr. Sudiar discussed the importance of integrating environmental science into the curriculum and encouraged teachers to inspire students to take action against climate change. The session provided educators with tools to engage students on environmental issues, helping them understand the science behind climate change and its impact on the world.

 

Ibu  Cucu Saidah, an expert on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), led a discussion on best practices for promoting inclusive education. Cucu Saidah, alongside members of the Indonesian Disability Association (Perkumpulan Penyandang Disabilitas Indonesia), shared practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments that support all students, regardless of their background or abilities. The session highlighted the importance of building respect for diversity and promoting equal opportunities for all students.

 

Since 2008, the BRIDGE program has successfully established 253 school partnerships between Indonesian and Australian schools, promoting cross-cultural understanding, shared educational goals, and long-lasting professional relationships. The program, which is funded by the Australian Government, continues to build partnerships between teachers and students, empowering them to tackle critical issues such as gender equality, disability, social inclusion, and climate change.

 

By providing educators with the tools and knowledge to incorporate GEDSI and climate change education into their classrooms, the BRIDGE Program plays a crucial role in shaping a generation of students who are globally aware and committed to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.