(15.5.2008)

Funding from CO2 compensation from FEE flights and other users of the FEE CO2 Fund system is now being used.

There are around 4000€ entered into the FEE CO₂ Fund for use in 2008. The International LEAF Coordination (in charge of administrating FEE’s CO₂ Fund) has already received the first five applications for funding and two schools in Greece have received funding from the Fund.

Here is the feedback from Kleopatra Hatzikosta and Eleni Souma from 13^th Primary School of Keratsini: 

The aim of the planting project was to improve the quality of the school yard and to turn it into a park with trees. The yard was covered with cement and we wanted to change it in order to create a better environment for the children where they can get to know and to respect nature. The Municipality of Keratsini is considered as a poor area, without any parks or play grounds, so we wanted to create a park where the children and the residents of the area can spend time. 

The objectives were to:

• create an area where the children and the residents can sit, play and communicate
• protect the school from the noise from the street and to remove the bars around the school
• create a safe place for the children and the older people to spend time
• create an area where educational activities can take place
• teach the children as well as the residents using the school yard to respect it and to take care of it

The children themselves worked on this project. The underlying principle was that when you work hard on something, then you respect it and protect it. The cement was removed with the help of the Municipality. Then we created flower beds, pavilions, pergolas, vegetable gardens, a pond and we placed wooden benches. We planted many plants, trees, bushes, flowers, according to a very well organized garden plan. The garden plan was made by an engineer working for the Municipality. The engineer was very collaborative and took into account our needs and suggestions when he was creating the plan. 

Each tree and plant has a label placed on it with the name of the child that planted it and has really adopted it. The children are responsible for taking care of all the plants. 

We have created compost whose product we use for the vegetable garden. For the compost we use worms and snails. The children have discovered their use and those who used to feel disgusted when they saw them have completely changed their attitude. They have learnt that every living being has its use and that we have to respect nature.

The school yard is open to animals, dogs, cats, turtles, birds, and the pond is filled with fish. As a result the children have learnt to love animals.