About us
About the project
GLOW is a project aiming to give educators and teachers the tools to get out into nature with their pupils while feeling comfortable doing so.
Many educational institutions, particularly in the Nordic countries, Germany, Switzerland, and increasingly in other parts of Europe and around the world, have embraced Forest Pedagogy and Outdoor Education. This approach, originating in Sweden in the late 19th century and solidified in Denmark with the introduction of Forest Kindergartens in the mid-20th century, advocates for a pedagogical process that extends beyond traditional classrooms. It promotes learning in, with, and by nature, fostering a child’s holistic development through freedom and autonomy.
Forest Pedagogy is significant as it challenges conventional teaching and learning practices, emphasizing self-initiated activities, experiential learning, and skill development. This contrasts with the prevailing focus on standardized testing and rote learning in many schools. Pioneers like Neil, Freinet, Montessori, and Malagguzzi also emphasized the importance of experiential learning in natural settings and its connection to fostering autonomy in individuals.
In today’s educational landscape, this approach remains highly relevant, shedding light on the value of outdoor experiences for holistic learning and personal growth.
Project GLOW is a collaborative effort involving partners from Denmark and Norway, where outdoor learning is already established, and partners from Cyprus, Slovakia, Portugal, and North Macedonia, where this approach is less common. The project aims to promote outdoor learning and forest pedagogy by establishing “schools of nature” to facilitate mutual learning and the exchange of ideas on environmental education. It emphasizes learner-centered processes to support the holistic development of students, fostering characteristics such as curiosity, self-awareness, self-regulation, autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and creativity.
The project was called to support and promote outdoor learning and forest pedagogy by establishing “schools of nature” to facilitate mutual learning and the exchange of ideas on environmental education. It emphasizes learner-centered processes to support the holistic development of students, fostering characteristics such as curiosity, self-awareness, self-regulation, autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and creativity.
Meet the partners
Danish Nature Approach
DNA is a non-profit organization with extensive experience in nature and outdoor education, focusing on creating knowledge and research in this field.
Its primary mission is to support and promote nature and outdoor pedagogy for preschools and kindergartens in Denmark and also globally.
DNA actively aids teachers in implementing digital solutions to foster creativity and critical thinking, which are integral aspects of the Danish pedagogical approach. Their core objective is to contribute to the development of an educational practice centered on sustainability and environmental themes, aligning with the UN’s sustainability goals.
Strom života
Tree of Life is a civic association with a 40-year tradition in environmental education of children and youth.
Over the years they’ve become authors of textbooks, educational materials, and aids, and partners of international projects focused on environmental and outdoor education. They organize year-round programs for kindergartens and primary schools focused on environmental education, outdoor education, and research-oriented education throughout Slovakia. SŽ awakens children’s desire to learn, change, and act in favor of protecting and enhancing life on Earth through its experiential education about nature, the environment, and the quality of life. At the same time, this organization tries to evolve emotional intelligence in children, influence their value system, and strengthen their personal responsibility towards themselves, others, and the world.
SYNTHESIS
Center for Research and Education is a pioneering organization that designs and implements research and educational projects with social impact.
SYNTHESIS is Cyprus’ leader in social innovation and social entrepreneurship; it founded Hub Nicosia, a social innovation hub that houses and supports entrepreneurs and organizations with a social mission. In a world surrounded by conflict and exclusion of many forms, SYNTHESIS aspires to take part in actions that improve individual lives, enhance social inclusion, and contribute to a green and sustainable future, for the people and the planet.
ECO-LOGIC
has a strong background and experience in child, youth and adult related work, emphasizing non formal education activities on various topics.
Since its establishment in 2011, the organization has devoted itself to sharing and promoting knowledge and information on the topics of environment, ecology and sustainable development in elementary schools across the country, but also across Europe. Eco Logic has a strong network with 150 elementary schools and 30 high schools across Macedonia. It also collaborates with the City of Skopje (Department for Education), Аdult Education Center as well as with the Bureau for Development of Education.
Sølvstuffen barnehage
is a private 4-unit kindergarten with 50 children and 15 employees.
The kindergarten has great multicultural diversity. 95% of the children have a multicultural background, belonging to 16 different countries, and 9 different languages are represented. We have several children with special needs. We have a particular focus on language (especially through the use of song and music) and social development. We spend a lot of time outdoors throughout all four seasons in Norway and are committed to contributing to, and facilitating children’s development and ability to learn, both socially, linguistically and motor skills, which we believe is greatly strengthened through outdoor activities.
CASPAE
CASPAE 10, located in Coimbra, Portugal, is a Private Organization of Social Solidarity with a non-profit status dedicated to social welfare.
Its mission revolves around providing social welfare solutions that empower individuals to enhance their well-being and facilitate their integration into society by equipping them with essential skills. CASPAE embraces values such as solidarity, commitment, responsibility, cooperation, and development. Their responsibilities extend to providing welfare and educational services, encompassing school meals, curriculum enrichment activities, a Sports Academy, and Holiday Camps. They’ve also ventured into offering welfare services for seniors, specifically Home Care Assistance Services, and they actively develop and promote welfare and educational projects.
FRED U
Frederick University (FredU) is a well-respected university in Cyprus, offering a diverse range of academic programs in fields like Science, Engineering, Business, Arts, and more.
It is known for its strong focus on academic research and is recognized as one of the country’s leading research institutions. FredU consists of five schools and 14 departments, offering innovative programs (over 75) that address societal needs, emphasizing social responsibility.
With approximately 290 faculty members and an average enrollment of 4,500 students, FredU operates from two campuses in Nicosia and Limassol.
