Flick the Switch School Champions - Secondary School Category

Vilnius „MINTIES‟ Gymnasium from Lithuania won the Flick the Switch Champions competition at Secondary level.

Project coordinator at „Minties‟ Gymnasium, Dziuljeta Jonikiene, tells us about the efforts that took place at the school.

“The students at Vilnius „Minties‟ Gymnasium joined the Flick the Switch campaign in December 2009. Our enrolment in the initiative was prompted by the goal of the project itself, which at first glance seems very simple - to get students into the habit of turning off lights and electrical appliances when not in use.

During the project, the students were not only saving energy but were also searching for information on efficient ways of saving energy, energy-saving devices, economic bulbs and alternative energy sources (wind, solar, hydro). The students became better informed about the negative consequences of excessive power wastage, addressed such issues as the impact of light pollution and smog on wildlife and then shared this knowledge with others.

I am delighted that our students did not stay indifferent to the issue of energy saving. Educational and short feature films which were produced by the students themselves proved this. Students also created posters and drawings reflecting the idea that it is worth saving the earth, not only for ourselves but also for others.
The students have accomplished a lot during the project. Overall, 70 PowerPoint reports were created and delivered (organised by D. Jonikienė), 18 short films were presented (organised by D. Jonikienė and V. Spundzevičienė), more than 80 drawings and posters were painted (organised by L. Varnas), B. Miglė held a photo exhibition (organised by V. Spundzevičienė) and two students participated in online debates (organised by A. Malinauskaitė).

The students acknowledged the benefits gained from the project work. They have acquired new knowledge and perceived not only the financial value of energy saving but also their contribution to the welfare of wildlife and vegetation.”