'How to Prevent Forest Fires', Next Subject in Alicante Schools

Benasau, Banyeres de Mariola, El Montgó, Biar, Millena... Several areas in the province have been hit by fires this year. All of them, and many more on the list, have been victims of forest fires.

To explore the importance of preserving the environment and prevent such fires, the Department of Education, Culture, Universities, and Employment launches a new edition of the 'Guardabosc' program.

This 'subject' is aimed at fifth and sixth-grade primary school students, as well as students of Compulsory Secondary Education and Basic Vocational Training. It is a project promoted by the Directorate General of Educational Innovation and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Forest Fire Prevention.

The aim of the program is to equip all students with knowledge and skills to understand and engage in the community where their school is located, as well as to promote attitudes and values of commitment to environmental and social improvement of their surroundings.

Publicly funded schools of the Generalitat interested in participating in the 'Guardabosc' project during the 2024-2025 school year must submit their applications by October 28, through a registration form that the Department of Education will send to each school's corporate email.

From all submitted applications, the Department will select 55 schools: 19 from Alicante province, eight from Castellón, and 28 from Valencia. The selected schools will receive materials, teaching guides, and initial training necessary for the project's development. In each selected school, there will be a team of teachers who will lead, plan, and organize the project.

Additionally, a work plan will be established in three phases. In the initial phase, the coordinator and participating teachers must complete theoretical and practical training where they will receive guidance on available resources and teaching materials.

In the second phase, the program will be implemented in the classroom, and field trips to the natural environment will be organized. Students will conduct at least one day in natural areas of the locality or nearby, coordinated and advised by specialized staff from the Directorate General of Forest Fire Prevention.

Finally, during the dissemination and evaluation phase, schools will report on the actions implemented and the final outcome of the project in a final face-to-face event.