Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the key pillars of ERV. Core elements of our school programmes and school actions are targeted at improving the environmental conditions and opening the minds of our young leaders. Education plays a vital role in sustainability as they learn about the subject, how to act green, and the impact on the future generations, all guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations. 

A wide range of initiatives and projects enable all students at ERV to develop their understanding and play a part in helping the environment

Indigenous trees

Our school campus is a unique site for indigenous trees which have been grown and identified to represent the main vegetation for the region, with labelling of each species, and development of a tree trail.

Eco Club

Our key green initiatives are overseen by the school Eco Club student volunteers from Primary and Secondary sections of school. The club was started two years ago with the aim of empowering students to participate in and take up meaningful environmental activities and projects within the school. The Eco Club has been instrumental in the initiation and implementation of a number of projects, for example our recycling scheme and the development of our agricultural garden.

ERV Agricultural Garden

We are very fortunate to have a greenhouse on our school grounds, which has been designed to use hydroponic technology to grow and improve the quality and quantity of food production for the community, and to provide for our students a focal point through which to take positive action for the environment. The project was launched in March 2022 with students from Early Years up to Year 9 given an opportunity to plant a seedling of a fruit or vegetable of their choice to mark this special moment. The Year 9 sale of vegetables to parents raised interest in our products and was an exciting opportunity for students to be involved in all aspects of this project, giving them first-hand experience of entrepreneurship. The ecological measures used in the greenhouse means that water is via a drip system, ensuring only the water required is used, and with water recycled to nourish the other plantations around the greenhouse, such as the plantain plants. The planting system whereby the plants are placed above the soil minimises the risk of plant disease and need for chemicals to treat them, producing healthier and more environmentally-friendly crops.

Photography Competition 2022

Every opportunity is sought to consider the environment from different perspectives. Indeed, the 3rd edition of the annual Photography Competition celebrated our key value of ‘Sustainability’. Students were engaged in an in-depth study of techniques used in Photography as well as deep understanding and exploration of the theme, with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as guidelines. The learners were thoroughly equipped with useful knowledge of their cameras and were able to explore details of their school environment with ease. The culmination of the competition in an exhibition,  with specialist judges from the environment sector selecting the winning images added an important element to this annual school event.

Precious Plastic Project

The school promotes and supports students to engage in a variety of projects through the IB CAS (Community, Activity, Service) structure. One particularly impactful such project is Precious Plastic: a service project that helps clean the beaches of Libreville whilst recycling and upcycling the plastic collected. The Year 12 students came up with the idea of using leftover bottle caps, melting them, and turning them into jewellery. ERV students have won a Commendation Award from the Global Social Leaders Global Goals competition for their work.