Environmental Learning Grows at ISG Jubail With Arlian Ecker

ISG Jubail students recently continued their learning journey with environmental educator Arlian Ecker through a series of engaging sessions designed to help students connect more deeply with sustainability, local environmental action and their own role within the community. Across lower and upper elementary, students explored how small actions, thoughtful choices and local initiatives can create meaningful impact over time.

For lower elementary students, the session titled “The Eco-Detective” introduced sustainability in a way that felt accessible, uplifting and connected to students’ everyday lives. Through interactive discussions and visual learning experiences, students were encouraged to look for “nature heroes” and small environmental victories happening around them. The session invited students to notice the positive efforts taking place within their homes, classrooms and wider community, helping them understand that caring for the environment often begins with simple habits and awareness.

The experience created excitement among younger learners as they reflected on the ways they already help protect the world around them. Students spoke about reducing waste, caring for plants and making thoughtful choices throughout the school day. By connecting environmental learning to familiar experiences, the session helped students feel empowered and capable of contributing in meaningful ways.

Upper elementary students participated in a session titled “The Researcher,” which prepared them for the next stage of their environmental learning journey. During the session, students learned how to research real local sustainability initiatives and identify environmental efforts happening within the region. The experience encouraged students to see that important environmental work is already taking place close to home and that they are part of a larger movement working toward positive change.

Students explored several local and national initiatives, including mangrove planting efforts on Ras Abu Ali Island in Jubail, where 200,000 seedlings have already been planted as part of Saudi Arabia’s goal to plant 100 million trees by 2030. They also learned about the Jinnah Island beach cleanup north of Jubail, where volunteers have worked together to remove fishing nets, plastic and waste from the coastline. Conversations also highlighted the Saudi Green Initiative and its role in shaping environmental progress across the Kingdom.

As students researched these projects, they reflected on the environmental issues they cared about most and considered how they could personally contribute. Each student identified either a local initiative they felt connected to or developed their own “Flagship Project” centered around environmental action. Some students also chose to focus on reducing a single-use plastic item or changing one wasteful habit in their daily routines. These commitments will continue to develop as students learn how to communicate and advocate for their ideas in the coming weeks.

The continued partnership with Arlian Ecker created opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with the world around them. Through curiosity, engaging puppet shows, discussion and reflection, students strengthened their understanding of sustainability while recognizing that positive environmental change is built through collective effort and consistent action.