INTEC and INAFOCAM will train technicians and teachers in the educational system in Climate Change and Environmental Protection.
The purpose of the course is to develop skills in understanding these environmental issues, as well as provide practical tools for their integration in the classroom.
SANTO DOMINGO. – With the aim of strengthening pedagogical competencies in environmental issues, the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and the National Institute for Teacher Training and Education (INAFOCAM) inaugurated the course-workshop “Climate Change and Environmental Protection,” aimed at 200 regional and district technicians, teachers, counselors, and psychologists at the primary and secondary levels of Educational Regions 04 (San Cristóbal) and 10 and 15 (Santo Domingo).
The purpose of the course is to develop skills in understanding climate change and environmental conservation, as well as to provide practical tools for integrating them into the classroom.
"As educators and trainers of the new generations, we have a fundamental role in this process of change. It's not just about transmitting knowledge, but also about inspiring sustainable attitudes, values, and actions in all communities and in all schools and educational settings, as well as in our places of origin," he said. Dalul Ordehi, Dean of the Area of Social Sciences and Humanities from INTEC, in his opening remarks.
On behalf of the regional director 04, María Duvergé He pointed out that it is imperative to address environmental protection. “Climate change is one of the main challenges facing humanity these days, and given this situation we are experiencing, which we all see every day, not only in this country but around the world, it is urgent to protect our natural resources and the environment,” he said.
Orlando Casado, Environmental Management Coordinator of INAFOCAM, indicated that training is a commitment to teachers, as well as to future generations. "It's a significant challenge because we have to train this generation to give the next generation a healthier planet, equal to or better than how we found it," he added.
The opening ceremony was held in a hybrid format on the INTEC campus and broadcast live on the university's YouTube channel. During the event, a minute of silence was observed in honor of INTEC's recently deceased rector, Julio Sánchez Mariñez.
One of the highlights was the presentation by Luis Rodriguez of Francisco, Dean of the Basic Sciences Area of INTEC, who addressed the importance of learning about climate change and environmental protection, an issue that impacts citizens' daily lives and has led to consequences such as the loss of 13 to 16 species of flora and fauna on the island. "We hope this course will be an incentive for all of us, so that we all learn, because this is about learning from both sides," he added.
The presentation of the course-workshop was in charge of Diana Corrales, coordinator of the INTEC Environmental Management Center (CEGA-INTEC), who highlighted the incorporation of innovative tools such as artificial intelligence in the teaching of these subjects.
During the event, a climate change perception survey was conducted to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of the participants. The day concluded with closing remarks by Mónica Caram, coordinator of the Center for Educational Studies at INTEC, who motivated participants to become promoters of change from their educational communities.
“This workshop is like changing lenses. We leave behind a blurred vision, limited by routine or indifference, and begin to clearly see the impact of our actions and the power of our decisions. May this experience help us focus our gaze on hope, action, and commitment for a better world,” he commented.