Urban Villages - Focus Magazine {Issue 11)

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Eco-engineers Eco-engineers teaches young people about the importance of looking after the environment, and assists them with the opportunity to tackle local and international environmental issues within their communities. By blending a range of digital, practical and educational activities together young people not only learn practical and important digital skills, it also helps to create a sense of civic pride within their communities. Eco-engineers is a young person led project that allows the participants to learn, explore, think about problems and relate to others locally and globally.

at the importance of protecting animals through 3D printing, developed sustainable cities through Minecraft, coded robots and taken part in mindfulness within nature sessions. Jonny Simms, BSCR Project Coordinator said: “We have had a lot of fun creating the signs and t-shirts for the campaigns. The term Eco-engineer comes from the fact that we are learning about ways to help the environment, while also using machines such as the 3D Printers and laser cutters, that is where the engineering comes in. “It is a great way for young people to learn about helping their local environment while also developing new skills that can help them throughout their lives. We are always on the lookout for different groups to take part in the project.”

Young people from St Malachy’s PS & Blythfield PS have been tackling local issues including dog fouling within their communities, by designing their own posters tackling the issue. St Malachy’s PS P7 class recorded their own Podcast show and looked at the impact the proposed skyscrapers would have on their community. Mrs McGuigan, Teacher St Malachy’s PS said “It has been a fantastic project to be involved in and the children

have loved it. It was over and above expectation.”

In addition young people have laser cut and designed their own bug hotels, looked

Urban Villages Initiative | Focus Magazine Issue 11