Day care centers and energy transition - development of model educational practices, staff qualification and community development (KIEN)

One of the greatest tasks facing society is energy transition. Educational institutions, too, must address this task. For some time, energy has been increasingly addressed as an educational subject in kintergarten. This makes it possible to raise children’s awareness of, and attention and sensitivity to, crucial insights which are decisive in the shaping of a responsible future. Since kindergarden personnel, parents and cooperating partners from the surrounding area share these roles, the work is also carried into the community. The project Kindergarten and Energy Transition (»Kindertagesstätten und Energiewende – KIEN«) of the Leuphana University of Lüneburg and the University of Applied Sciences of Weihenstephan-Triesdorf demonstrates how, through cooperation between daycare centers and communities, energy transition can be supported. In each of five communities in Northern Germany and five in Bavaria, one kindergarten respectively is involved, with children, kindergarten personnel, housekeeping personnel, parents, and participants in the political and administrative spheres. Within a group framework, institutions and persons are addressed who have something to do with energy. Issues are taken up which are of significance for the respective communities and have practical effects at the local level in terms of sustainable development. Through this project children are made aware of energy matters, kindergarten personnel receive consultation and support, and parents are given access to information. Additionally, this cooperation provides impulses for local energy policy and practice.