SPNL’s School with No Walls programme connects children with nature and the Hima approach through indoor learning and outdoor discovery.
Children across the Upper Beirut River Valley are exploring their local environment through the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon’s (SPNL) School with No Walls (SNOW) programme. By connecting indoor discussions with outdoor activities, the programme encourages young participants to observe, ask questions and discover why caring for nature matters.
More than six SNOW sessions have been delivered so far under the SDC-funded project, “Upper Beirut River Valley: Towards Establishing Lebanon’s First Natural Park.” Activities have taken place in target villages including Ras el Matn, Hammana, Btekhnay and Abadieh, with further sessions planned.
Bringing environmental learning outdoors
SNOW makes the surrounding landscape part of the learning experience. Ideas introduced indoors are explored through outdoor activities, helping children connect environmental learning with the places they know.
Moving between discussion and discovery encourages curiosity and brings environmental concepts closer to everyday life. It also gives participants opportunities to develop a stronger connection to their surroundings and an understanding of their role in caring for them.
Connecting younger generations with the Hima approach
The sessions complement the project’s work to establish Himas and develop participatory management plans. Through the Hima approach, which places local communities at the heart of conservation, the initiative connects environmental protection with shared responsibility for the valley.
Engaging children is an essential part of this vision. Helping younger generations discover and value their local environment lays a foundation for their future participation in protecting it.
More opportunities to learn and explore
Further SNOW sessions will bring indoor learning and outdoor discovery to more participants across the project’s target villages, continuing to connect children with nature and the vision for the Upper Beirut River Valley’s Natural Park.
