Adelheid Beneder, Advisor for Ecological Awareness

Photo: P. Juan Goicochea and Adelheid Beneder

The advisory is carried out in cooperation with Franziskanerinnen Amstetten.

Promoting environmental projects in schools and villages, development of teaching methods, counselling of teachers, and developing a concept for a youth exchange programme with young people from Europe.

Adelheid Beneder (Sr Karina) is a Franciscan nun and. She has many years of experience in working with children and young people and has completed several assignments abroad. She was also responsible for the distribution and translation of the environmental book 'Children, this earth is in your hands' by Fr. Juan Goicochea.

• The advisory assignment focuses on promoting environmental education in schools and villages in the Andean region of Peru. Conducted in cooperation with the Franziskanerinnen Amstetten, the assignment supports the integration of Agenda 2030 principles into diocesan education structures. The advisor develops teaching methods, counsels teachers, and designs a youth exchange programme to foster intercultural environmental awareness between young people from Europe and Peru.
• The assignment builds the foundation for environmental education initiatives by establishing connections with diocesan leaders, educators, and local communities. Initial activities include organizing community events, such as a Christmas celebration featuring sustainable gifts for children and the planning of fundraising campaigns in San Pedro. These activities introduce ecological themes in a culturally engaging manner while strengthening local involvement.
• Regular tasks involve preparing educational materials based on Laudato Si and Agenda 2030, adapting curricula for environmental education, and supporting teachers in implementing these principles in daily instruction. The advisor also facilitates interactions between children, educators, and local stakeholders, ensuring participatory approaches to environmental awareness. Through these efforts, the assignment contributes to long-term sustainability education and community-driven ecological initiatives.
• SDG targets: 4.7;12.8;13.3