Module 1.1: Case study 2: Okanagan Mission School/Canada
Which need or problem is addressed?
In this case study we present another example of a green school project in Canada, having also elements of complexity as it combines education on sustainability with education on social justice. The project provides students with a nice space to spend their free time, offering them living experiences on how to behave in a sustainable way and at the same time in a socially responsible way. They acquire also knowledge about the charity organisations operating in their community and develop their critical thinking by choosing where they will donate the money they make by running the project.
The lack of sustainability and social justice awareness among students and the need to inspire them to act on issues that matter to them is the main problem this project addresses. The Mission Roots Cafe aims to educate students about important issues relating to sustainability, social justice, and the Sustainable Development goals while creating a warm, welcoming environment and a sense of community in the school. Additionally, the cafe aims to promote sustainable habits through its free loyalty card system that encourages customers to bring a reusable coffee mug and reduce single-use waste.How is it done?
The Mission Roots café addresses the need to create a sustainable and socially conscious community and inspire students to act in several ways: Education, Welcoming environment, Choose your Charity system, Sustainability and Inspiration. The café educates the students about important issues related to sustainability and social justice. To create a sense of community within the school, the cafe aims to create a warm and welcoming environment. The profits are donated to various charities, carefully selected based on their transparency and traceable impact. Special attention is paid to the promotion of sustainable habits minimizing ecological footprints. The cafe hopes to inspire youth to take action on issues that matter to them. The founders believe that the choices and actions we make can cause ripples of change that are felt across the world.
What is the impact for teachers / students / the community?
The project has had a positive impact on students, teachers and the community in several ways. The café provides education on important issues relating to sustainability, social justice and Sustainable development goals. It also creates a sense of community within the school and inspires students to take action. Half the profit is donated to charities, which helps to make a positive impact on the community. The cafe promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and minimizing its ecological footprint, which helps to create a healthier environment and inspire others to adopt similar practices.