As part of the 2026 COEMCO Teacher Innovation Projects, Colegio Concepción begins the implementation of “Sustainable School in Action: Eco-Fairs and Global Awareness through English,” a winning interdisciplinary initiative that seeks to strengthen environmental awareness, promote sustainable habits, and connect students with current global challenges through meaningful learning experiences.
The project is led by Mr. Marcos Riveros Illanes, from the English Immersion Program, and Ms. Iowanna Maltés Castillo, Biology teacher and member of the Sustainability Committee at Colegio Concepción. Through this initiative, the school aims to create spaces where students can investigate, reflect, communicate, and take action in relation to sustainability and the world they live in.
At the center of the project are the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the SDGs. These 17 global goals invite countries, communities, schools, and people to work together to build a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world. They address important issues such as poverty, hunger, health and well-being, quality education, clean water, climate action, responsible consumption, protection of ecosystems, peace, justice, and partnerships.
By working with the SDGs, students are encouraged to understand that sustainability is connected to many areas of life. It is not only about protecting nature, but also about caring for people, reducing inequalities, using resources responsibly, supporting communities, and thinking critically about the future.
“Sustainable School in Action” brings together different areas of school life, including the English Immersion Program, the Sustainability Committee, Ecobrigade, ICT, Science, and community engagement through sustainability fairs. The main levels involved are students from 3rd to 6th grade, who will participate in conversations and learning experiences connected to the SDGs. Students from the Ecobrigade and ICT extracurricular classes will also play an important role in researching sustainability topics, organising information, preparing materials, and documenting the project process.
One of the key purposes of this initiative is to use English as a real communication tool. Rather than seeing English only as a subject, students will use the language to investigate, explain, present, and share ideas related to sustainability. This approach supports the goals of the English Immersion Program by creating authentic contexts where students can communicate with purpose, develop vocabulary, strengthen oral skills, and connect local actions with global topics.
A major part of the project is the organisation of two Sustainability Fairs, one during the first semester and another during the second semester. These fairs are designed as open spaces for learning, participation, entrepreneurship, and community connection.
The first fair developed within the framework of this project was held as part of the school’s IV Sustainability Fair, under the theme “Entrepreneurs Creating Awareness.” This event invited local entrepreneurs and small business owners whose products and initiatives are connected to sustainability, recycling, ecological practices, reusable materials, and environmental awareness.
Through different stands, presentations, educational materials, and collaborative activities, the fair created a meaningful space where students, teachers, families, local entrepreneurs, and members of the school community could learn from one another. Students had the opportunity to share what they had researched about sustainability and the SDGs, while entrepreneurs showcased products and practices that promote a more responsible and environmentally conscious way of living.
These fairs are an essential part of the project because they allow students to transform classroom research into real communication, community participation, and concrete action. By presenting their work and interacting with sustainable initiatives, students become active voices in promoting environmental awareness and responsible practices within and beyond the school.
As a COEMCO winning innovation project, “Sustainable School in Action: Eco-Fairs and Global Awareness through English” reflects Colegio Concepción’s commitment to meaningful, collaborative, and transformative education. Through this initiative, the school continues to promote learning experiences that inspire students to observe the world, ask questions, share ideas, and take action toward a greener, more conscious, and more connected school community.
