Wadi Environmental Science Centre (WESC) recognizes the urgency for Egyptian educational reform and believes the creation of The WESC Program
Wadi Environmental Science Centre (WESC) recognizes the urgency for Egyptian educational reform and believes the creation of a wider and deeper awareness, consensus, and understanding of environmental science amongst children as a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between education and the real world. Moreover, WESC feels there is a great responsibility on NGOs and responsible businesses to respond to the call for educational reform. NGOs must demonstrate good practices, show accountability and transparency, present themselves as working models, act as responsible citizens, and inspire change needed for reform. WESC, through this pilot test program to educate underprivileged children and train teachers, is stepping up to meet this challenge.
The project’s focus is on grades 4, 5, and 6 since science is first included in the National curricula during these academic years. Below table features the expected exposure for teachers and students as an output of this project
| Governorate | Date (2008-2009) | Total Teacher Trained | Total Students Exposed |
| Giza | Sept. Dec. March | 90 | 6,300 |
| Sharkeya | Sept. Dec. March | 60 | 3,000 |
| Fayoum | Sept. Dec. March | 90 | 6,300 |
| Beni suef | Sept. Dec. March | 90 | 6,300 |
| Alexandria | Sept. Dec. March | 90 | 6,300 |
| 6th of October | Sept. Dec. March | 90 | 9,000 |
The process of development of this training program is based on the empowerment of the teachers. To date, phase one of this project has been accomplished, where 15 teachers were chosen from different governorates to receive a Training of Trainers program under the theme of Education for sustainable development. This training was delivered by a British training institution, the Field Studies Council (FSC) is a pioneering educational charity committed to bringing environmental understanding to all. Established in 1943, the FSC has become internationally respected for its national network of 17 education centers, international outreach training projects, research programs, information and publication services and a wide range of fascinating professional training and leisure courses.
These 15 teachers had already participated in several environmental education training programs during the past 2 years. Hence WESC saw that it is best tuponld up on what these teachers have received and empower them through giving them the chance to become trainers to their peers. To this day, the trainers have developed their plan of action and their budget relevant to their locality to train the teachers and initiate a cascade of training and environmental actions in the 6 governorates.
The education opportunity will not start or end with the training alone. WESC staff will visit each governorate and assist and coach in the delivery of the training. The monitoring team will be assigned to follow the progress of the training and the realization of the community action in each governorate. Progress will be closely monitored and assess by the WESC team in collaboration with the consultation team. Quarterly reports will be written to assess regularly the progress and encourage corrective actions to be undertaken when needed.