UQO's new educational initiatives foster outdoor learning and environmental awareness
Tashi Farmilo
Under the guidance of Professor Geneviève Lessard from the Department of Educational Sciences at the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO), the new initiative, United for Education Outside the Walls, in Nature (Unis pour l’éducation hors les murs, en nature), has successfully forged partnerships to enhance educational opportunities for children. The collaborations include the Boucher Forest Foundation, Loisir sport Outaouais, the Outaouais Education Table (TÉO), and local schools.
UQO Rector Murielle Laberge praised the initiative's positive impact on children's well-being. "These projects will enable young people to experience unique moments outside the classroom while enriching their knowledge,” she stated. “The real benefits for these children will be the significant steps they will take in their lives going forward."
Professor Lessard highlighted the alignment of partner objectives. "By combining our expertise and resources, we can train critical eco-citizens who are physically active and healthy in their minds, bodies, and hearts. Education outside the classroom fosters intellectual curiosity and strengthens academic knowledge, ultimately building a more positive outlook on learning and school," she explained.
One notable project is a summer camp at Boucher Forest, facilitated by UQO, the Boucher Forest Foundation, Loisir sport Outaouais and TÉO, and supported by Desjardins. The camp, designed for 36 children from the International School of the Village who are facing academic challenges, offers several learning cycles in the forest. These sessions are developed by the Boucher Forest Activities Committee (CAF) and implemented by qualified teachers and students in initial training at UQO. The camp will culminate in a reflective walk, where children will discuss their experiences based on their logbooks.
Mageland Yepmézoué, general director of the Boucher Forest Foundation, accentuated the importance of early environmental education. "Raising children's awareness of conservation and preservation from a young age prepares them to consider environmental factors in future decisions, ensuring the Boucher Forest is protected for generations," he said. The foundation, established in 2007, focuses on protecting the flora and fauna of the Boucher Forest through educational projects and events, aiming to preserve ecosystems and promote ecological awareness.
Another significant initiative involves a pairing system between UQO's special education program students and children at Notre-Dame School in Old Hull who have academic difficulties. From September to December 2024, UQO students will provide nearly 300 hours of support through place-based learning, funded by the TÉO. This project aims to enhance children's educational success by anchoring learning in their local environment, fostering a sense of belonging and meaningful community connections.
Steve Brabant, president of TÉO, highlighted the collaboration's importance. "These initiatives, supported by the Quebec Ministry of Education and the Portages-de-l'Outaouais School Services Centre, directly support children facing academic or behavioural challenges or living in disadvantaged environments. Our region's young people and families can count on the dedication and expertise of our partners," he noted.
Loisir sport Outaouais supports these projects by providing outdoor equipment through the eX3 program, including backpacks, seats, writing boards, binoculars, measuring tapes, and magnifying glasses, all aimed at cultivating children's intellectual curiosity. The eX3 program promotes outdoor learning to counteract nature deficit and enhance educational success.
Photo caption: UQO's "United for Education Outside the Walls, in Nature" initiative collaborates with local organizations to enhance children's educational success and environmental awareness through innovative outdoor learning experiences.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Table Éducation Outaouais Facebook page
