Or Salama, March 2025
En collaboration avec Terragir
Bridging local action and global solidarity, the Robin des Watts programme empowers Swiss children to be eco-conscious and socially responsible, an initiative that upholds their right to a sustainable future.
What Is the Robin des Watts Programme?
The Robin des Watts programme, an initiative by Terre des Hommes Suisse and the association Terragir, énergie solidaire, has been fostering sustainable development and global citizenship among Swiss children since 2009. The programme is based on the principle that “Children from near and far take action for a more sustainable world based on solidarity” (Terre des Hommes Suisse, n.d.). It engages young people through activities on energy, climate, and food (Terragir, énergie solaire, & Terre des Hommes Suisse, n.d.-a).
The programme aims to help students understand energy issues, recognise the finite and unequal distribution of energy resources, and become agents of change (Terre des Hommes Education, n.d.). It also seeks to promote children’s rights, particularly the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment, the right to education, and the right to participation (éducation21, n.d.). The programme is fully aligned with the Plan d’Études Romand, the official curriculum framework for compulsory education in French-speaking Switzerland, and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Activities and Impact of the Programme
The Robin des Watts programme connects Swiss students with peers in developing countries, encouraging solidarity and environmental awareness. For instance, students in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud actively participate in better energy management of school buildings by reducing heating, managing lighting, and controlling electrical appliances. To this end, student ambassadors present mini-workshops on eco-friendly actions and solidarity activities to other classes in the school (Terre des Hommes Suisse, n.d.). This peer-to-peer learning approach spreads knowledge and practices throughout the school community.
The financial savings that derive from improving the energy management of school buildings are then reinvested in projects that improve living conditions in energy-scarce communities, such as equipping schools in India with solar panels to provide reliable and sustainable energy (Terragir, énergie solaire, & Terre des Hommes Suisse, n.d.-b; Terre des Hommes Education, n.d.). In 2022, the programme involved 200 Swiss schoolchildren and 600 children in India collaborating on environmental protection initiatives (Terre des Hommes Suisse, 2022).
Expanding Horizons: From Energy Savings to Climate Action
Recognising the urgency of climate change, Terre des Hommes Suisse has expanded the Robin des Watts programme to include broader climate action. In 2022, five schools in Thônex, Geneva, participated in activities such as tree planting, developing climate action plans, and organising events such as “Clim’Action Day” to raise awareness of climate change (Terre des Hommes Suisse, 2022). These activities give students hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and foster critical thinking concerning climate change. Students take on the role of “energy detectives” by identifying inefficiencies in energy use within their schools and implementing corrective actions (Terre des Hommes Suisse, n.d.). This approach instils a sense of responsibility and agency in young people.
The programme’s impact is international. For instance, the energy savings of Swiss students have funded extracurricular activities and improved learning conditions for children in India and Peru (Terre des Hommes Suisse, n.d.). In one case, students at a school in Renens managed to decrease energy consumption by 19% to 31%, saving one tonne of CO2 emissions—the equivalent of the annual carbon absorption of six trees (Terre des Hommes Suisse, 2021).
Children as Agents of Change
The success of the Robin des Watts programme demonstrates the potential of engaging children in addressing global challenges. By providing young people with knowledge, tools, and platforms for action, Terre des Hommes Suisse is empowering children to take concrete actions on sustainability issues while fostering interconnectedness.
In addition to its focus on energy conservation, the initiative educates children on broader environmental issues such as waste management and resource equity (Terre des Hommes Suisse, 2023). For example, children in India have created gardens and led community campaigns to reduce plastic use (Terre des Hommes Suisse, 2022).
Andrea Burgos, the coordinator of the Robin des Watts programme at Terre des Hommes Suisse, has expressed her joy at witnessing the active participation of young people in environmental initiatives. She highlighted: “We are delighted to see the involvement of young people in the creation of a concrete environmental project in their community” (Terre des Hommes Suisse, 2023). Overall, this initiative fosters a sense of responsibility and collective action towards sustainable development.
Investing in Children-Led Initiatives for Global Change
The Robin des Watts programme stands as a shining example of how empowering children can lead to meaningful action on global issues. By combining education, practical action, and international solidarity, the programme is nurturing a generation of informed and engaged citizens. As we face the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainable development, initiatives such as Robin des Watts offer a proven model for harnessing the energy, creativity, and passion of young people to create positive change.
The programme’s success highlights the importance of investing in children-led initiatives. As Robin des Watts continues to grow and evolve, it serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for educators, policymakers, and organisations worldwide to prioritise children’s participation in sustainable development.
References:
éducation21. (n.d.). Robin des Watts – Climat (VD). https://education21.ch/fr/activite-pedagogique/robin-des-watts-climat-vd
Terragir, énergie solaire, & Terre des Hommes Suisse. (n.d.-a). Animations. https://robindeswatts.ch/animations/
Terragir, énergie solaire, & Terre des Hommes Suisse. (n.d.-b). Robin des Watts. https://robindeswatts.ch
Terre des Hommes Education. (n.d.). Robin des Watts (offre sur demande). https://www.tdh-education.ch/animations/robin-des-watts/
Terre des Hommes Suisse. (2021, June 10). Dans nos pays d’action, les enfants s’engagent pour l’environnement. https://terredeshommessuisse.ch/les-enfants-sengagent-pour-lenvironnement/
Terre des Hommes Suisse. (2022, June 28). Robin des Watts et changement climatique. https://terredeshommessuisse.ch/robin-des-watts-energie-solidaire-et-climat/
Terre des Hommes Suisse. (2023, May 10). How young people and children are taking action around the world to assert their right to live in a healthy environment. https://terredeshommessuisse.ch/en/how-young-people-and-children-are-taking-action-around-the-world-to-assert-their-right-to-live-in-a-healthy-environment/
Terre des Hommes Suisse. (n.d.). Robin des Watts. https://terredeshommessuisse.ch/en/our-action/robin-des-watts/
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