Episode 4 of Energy Matters took us back to school as GoodWe delivered their outstanding EcoSmart Kids educational program. Culminating in the EcoSmart Kids Awards, the innovative program was delivered from the GoodWe roadshow van across schools in Victoria. Roshan gave us a first-hand look at the program, and James Treble hosted the awards ceremony, celebrating the fantastic submissions by students.
About the episode
Roshan visited Courtenay Gardens Primary School in Cranbourne North, Victoria, and entered the EcoSmart Kids classroom. The GoodWe team, John Wright and Anie Kapadia, shared a message about climate change, sustainability, and practical ways to make a difference. Each engaging lesson encourages the students to participate and ask questions. Students are then invited to enter the EcoSmart Kids competition, where each child can make, bake, sing, or create something to inspire change. Entries have been songs, dioramas, stories, and a plethora of fantastic creations and ideas.
The EcoSmart Kids program culminated with the EcoSmart Kids Awards. The Melbourne Home Show hosted the 2024 awards, with hosts James Treble and GoodWe’s Hannah presenting the winners with trophies and an awards pack. The judges were Dean Williamson, Country Manager for GoodWe; Dr Dean Miller, The Great Barrier Reef Legacy; and Nicole Stegmann, Energy Matters.
Niva from Courtenay Gardens Primary took out the Grade 2–4 title with a diorama tackling pollution and how to fix it. Violetta from St Michael’s Grammar topped the Grade 5–6 category with her Eco-Home model, complete with solar lights and a working wind turbine.
Both champs scored trophies and prize packs worth $2,000 each. All other finalists walked away with certificates and $500 prize packs.
Dean Williamson highlighted the exceptional entries and innovative ideas that each of the student entrants presented. The EcoSmart Kids program not only educates children on important subject matters but also nurtures creative solutions. The future is well and truly safe in the hands of the next generation.
What is the GoodWe EcoSmart Kids program?
The GoodWe EcoSmart Kids program is a ripper initiative aimed at educating primary school children about climate change, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. Launched in 2023, the program kicked off with interactive workshops across Victorian schools, engaging students in creative projects that promote positive environmental messages. The inaugural year culminated in a championship awards event at the Melbourne Home Show, recognising outstanding student contributions.
Building on this success, the 2024 program doubled its reach, involving nearly 2,000 students from grades 2 to 6 across six schools in both regional and metropolitan Victoria. A notable addition was the collaboration with the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, enriching the curriculum with insights into coral reef conservation. The future looks bright, with plans to expand the program nationally and internationally, inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.
If you missed the episode, be sure to catch up via encores on Sunday at 8am, Tuesday at 6:30am, and Thursday at 10:30am.
