By Andre Bechara
SNOW Program Director
The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.
The School With No Walls (SNOW) program has firmly established itself within the Lebanese educational system. Its significance was officially recognized in a joint circular issued by the Minister of National Education and the Director-General, granting all public schools in Lebanon access to resources provided by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). This recognition underscores the growing importance of outdoor education in the country.
SPNL introduced the “SNOW-Hima Green School” program to further this mission, building strong partnerships with schools to promote innovative ecological and educational practices.
Partnerships in Action
Two leading schools in environmental conservation have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with SPNL to integrate the SNOW program into their curricula as a non-formal educational approach:
- AL Manar Modern School (AMS) in Ras el Maten shares a vision of “empowering students to acquire, demonstrate, and value knowledge and skills that help them become lifelong learners with an outward orientation beyond the school gates.” This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the SNOW program’s core concept of being a School With No Walls, according to the school’s director, Mr. Wajdi Tarabay. A dedicated coordinator has been appointed to oversee the program’s implementation at AMS.
- New Lebanon College (NLC), located in Ain Ksour in the Aley region, has committed to adopting the SNOW program across the entire school. Mr. Mazen Malaeb, NLC’s educational advisor, highlighted the program’s importance and pledged full integration into the school curriculum. Following a presentation by the SPNL team, teachers engaged in a productive discussion that culminated in the signing of the MOU designating NLC as a Hima Green School. A pedagogical coordinator has also been appointed to manage the program’s rollout.
The SPNL team provided both schools with digital educational materials, including presentations, films, and supporting documents, alongside SPNL books and manuals to aid research efforts. Additionally, teacher training sessions were conducted to ensure effective program delivery.
Expanding the SNOW Initiative
In addition to formalizing the Hima Green School program in these two schools, SPNL continues to expand its reach by establishing connections with other schools. The team is promoting a program that is simple, practical, flexible, and highly impactful.
The Hima Green School label is awarded by SPNL to schools that adopt the SNOW program as part of their curriculum. This label recognizes schools for their commitment to environmental awareness and conservation, focusing on outdoor education that encourages students to engage deeply with their natural surroundings.
Emphasizing Innovation and Child-Centered Learning
Similar to the Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies, the SNOW program emphasizes child-centered learning. Students are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace, with a focus on outdoor experiences in natural environments. This approach is rooted in the belief that engaging with nature inspires curiosity and enhances children’s understanding of the world.
The SNOW program values alternative and non-formal teaching methods, emphasizing hands-on activities and project-based learning over traditional structured lessons. Designed to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, and nature appreciation, the program aims to foster a meaningful connection between children and their environment, framed within the traditional Hima concept.
