The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Wetlands on Wheels Project

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Launched by the Education Division of the non-profit organisation Environmental Concerns (EC), this United States (US)-based initiative revolves around a mobile classroom that enables children to see and work with, hands-on, some environmental grasses and other items from wetlands areas. This project is part of the larger EC Education Division's vision to increase understanding of, foster appreciation for, and encourage the stewardship of, wetland systems through materials/curriculum development, schoolyard habitat development, and outreach programmes. By educating children, EC hopes to inspire a new generation committed to fostering improved water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed area, and beyond.
Communication Strategies

This initiative draws on interpersonal interactions in the school environment to raise awareness amongst children about environmental issues - and the responsibility they have in understanding and protecting ecosystems. EC, which is based in St. Michaels, Maryland (MD) in the US, sends its educators to various US schools to involve students in a process that is co-related to each state's curriculum. In each session, Wetland educators present concepts of adaptations through evolution, using bright colours to engage the students. The participants are taught about concepts such as marshes, bogs, swamps, and what is required to sustain life in the wetlands. Entertainment is used to engage the pupils; one demonstration at a Cambridge, MD, elementary school featured a "fun demonstration" about the importance of physical adaptations for wetlands and for humans alike. Students also get involved in these demonstrations.

Development Issues

Environment.

Key Points

The mobile wetlands on wheels classroom is available for schools and public viewing on a registered schedule.

Click here to access various wetlands education information and resources.

Sources

Migratory Bird & Wetland NewsLink, June 2007; "Wetlands Project: Soaking up Knowledge; Mobile Classroom Visits School" by Sue Haupt, Daily Banner; Environmental Concern website; and email from Casey King to The Communication Initiative on April 15 2008.

Teaser Image
http://www.wetland.org/07_images/education/edhome-pic1.JPG