Sparkasse supports Jesteburg Green Classroom” with 1,500 euros!

Sparkasse supports Jesteburg Green Classroom” with 1,500 euros!

In the heart of Jesteburg, an exciting educational project is flourishing and is intended to encourage children and young people to actively engage with their environment. The Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude is starting with a generous grant of 1,500 euros, which will benefit the “Green Classroom Orchard Meadow” project. The non-profit association “Nature and Culture Initiative Scattered Orchards Jesteburg” launched environmental education for daycare centers and schools in autumn 2024 and got off to a good start with the first teaching units in the summer of 2025. As the Kreiszeitung Wochenblatt reports, the lessons take place in a meadow orchard on Reindorfer Feldweg, which serves as a “green classroom”.

What makes this project so special? The answer lies not only in the idyllic setting, but also in the learning materials and tools that were purchased. These include, among other things, cup magnifying glasses, child-friendly work tools, nesting aids as well as tables and benches. Elke Feldhaus, the first chairwoman of the association, is enthusiastic about the Sparkasse's support and emphasizes how important such initiatives are for outdoor learning. Regional manager Timo Böttcher and financial advisor Annika Oswald visited the project and were visibly impressed by the splendor of the flowers and the opportunities that the orchard offers.

Environmental education in context

But what is behind the concept of environmental education? The principles of “Education for Sustainable Development” (ESD) have been of central importance since the 1990s. The ESD concept addresses sustainability in all its facets, from climate protection to the preservation of biological diversity. The teachers working on the project work interactively and thoughtfully to promote inquiry-based and action-oriented learning. Not only is content conveyed, but important skills such as critical thinking and teamwork are also developed, as the website of the Streuobstwiesen Alliance Lower Saxony clearly explains.

Orchards are hotspots of biodiversity in Central Europe. They provide a habitat for numerous animal and plant species and are, unfortunately, threatened by intensive agriculture and land sealing. Their preservation is becoming increasingly important, not only for nature, but also for people. The maintenance of these valuable areas ensures their continued existence and active nature conservation. As the ÖkoPädagogik Magazin points out, the “Green Classroom” is not only a place for teaching, but also a platform for practical learning and the Acquisition of social skills. The children not only learn how an orchard works, but also how important it is for our environment and what we can do to protect it.

A future with fresh perspectives

Another benefit of the “Green Classroom” is access to fresh fruit and healthy food. It therefore not only contributes to education, but also promotes the health of the participants. This project not only combines practical experience with exciting content, but also supports sustainable lifestyles and regional supply networks. With the knowledge from such educational programs, students should be able to plan and act sustainably. Here we not only teach, but also gain concrete experience that can produce fruitful results.

Overall, the project makes a valuable contribution to sustainability and attracts the interest of not only the children, but also their families. In the “Green Classroom” everyone can experience first hand how important orchards are for our environment and that we can all do our part to preserve them.