APRIL AWARENESS DATES 2025

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK DAY - 2 APRIL

	AWARENESS DAYS
2	Int. CHILDREN'S BOOK DAY - celebration dedicated to promoting the joy of reading among children worldwide. By educating and inspiring young minds through literature, we cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. Last minute discussion prompting activity: Read books that have a sustainability theme or set up a  ‘Books to Help the World’ display. social & environmental awareness
3	WORLD AQUATIC ANIMAL DAY -  dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving aquatic animals and their habitats. Highlights the interconnectedness of all life forms and emphasises the need to ensure the long-term viability of aquatic environments. Last minute discussion prompting activity: Sensory water play with sea animals. Add prompts such as plastic, netting, oil to promote discussion on threats to marine life (over-fishing, global warming, pollution, bycatch). environmental sustainability  economic sustainability
7	WORLD HEALTH DAY  -  highlights important health issues and promotes health equity worldwide. By addressing health challenges, such as access to clean water, sanitation, nutritious food, and healthcare services, we can build resilient and sustainable communities. The theme for 2025 is Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’ focusing on maternal and newborn health. Last minute discussion prompting activity: help set up a healthy environment for the (doll) babies.  Key components to consider: care, nourishment, sanitation, safety, warmth and access to medical care environmental sustainability    social sustainability    economic sustainability
15	WORLD ART DAY - reinforces the connection between art and society, promotes awareness of diverse artistic expressions. It also emphasises the importance of arts education as culture plays a vital role in fostering inclusive and equitable education. Last minute discussion prompting activity: Take art material outside and create some botanical studies. social sustainability
22	WORLD EARTH DAY  - dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, appreciation for the planet's natural beauty and advocating for its protection.  The theme for Earth Day 2025 is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy. Last minute discussion prompting activity: nature walk, cleaning up litter, green and blue paint/playdough, cloud watching https://www.un.org/en/observances/earth-day  https://www.earthday.org/  environmental sustainability    social sustainability    economic sustainability
24	INT. GIRLS IN ICT DAY - held annually on the fourth Thursday of April, it aims to inspire young women to pursue ICT education and careers, helping bridge the gender gap in the sector. In 2025, the event's theme will focus on "Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation. Last minute discussion prompting activity: Let children take photos (nature, friends, selfies).  Print and display.  Only let girls do this … JUST KIDDING!!!! social sustainability    economic sustainability
25	WORLD PENGUIN DAY -  raising awareness of penguin conservation needs and the threats they face in the wild. Penguins are indicator species, meaning their health and well-being reflect the overall health of their ecosystems.  By protecting penguin populations and their habitats, we also safeguard the broader marine environment, contributing to the sustainability of our oceans and the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Last minute discussion prompting activity: Draw a ‘shape’ penguin. environmental sustainability
28	SAVE THE FROGS DAY - dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of amphibians and their habitats. Frogs are critical indicators of environmental health, playing key roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey. By safeguarding frog populations and their habitats, we contribute to the sustainability of ecosystems and help maintain ecological balance for the benefit of all life on Earth. Let’s talk frogs Last minute discussion prompting activity: life cycle of a frog playdough prompt. environmental sustainability
30	STOP FOOD WASTE DAY - dedicated to raising awareness about the significant issue of food waste and advocating for solutions to minimise it. Food waste is a pressing global challenge with profound environmental, social, and economic implications. By addressing food waste, we promote sustainability by conserving resources, mitigating environmental impacts, and ensuring equitable access to food for all. Last minute discussion prompting activity:Peel and mandarin saving the skin for exploration. In particular discuss the smell. Use the peel in the garden to repel aphids etc or dry out for making potpourri/decorations. environmental sustainability    social sustainability    economic sustainability
	AWARENESS WEEKS
2-13	NATURE PLAY WEEK - an annual event dedicated to encouraging children and families to reconnect with nature through outdoor play and exploration. It promotes the benefits of unstructured play in natural environments for children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, Nature Play Week contributes to building a generation of environmentally-conscious individuals who are more likely to advocate for and actively participate in sustainable practices and conservation efforts as they grow.   https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Nature-Play-World-Wildlife-Day  Last minute discussion prompting activity: mud kitchen, nature rubbings (leaf, bark, wood, stone), nature walk, weed/tidy/ plant in the garden together. environmental sustainability    social sustainability