Fostering ecological awareness and inclusion through narrative pedagogy: Insights from the ‘eco-narrations’ projects

The paper presents The Eco-Narrations: Educational Care Atelier, an innovative collaborative initiative between the University of Catania and the Municipality of Ragusa. The project integrates narrative pedagogy into education to advance ecological awareness and social inclusion. From June to December 2023, the initiative offered a comprehensive training program to over 100 educators across kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary schools, blending theoretical sessions with practical workshops. Central to the program were eco-narrations, which employed ecological storytelling to deepen knowledge, foster emotional engagement, and promote inclusion. The project enhanced teachers’ abilities to address ecological and social issues while cultivating a collaborative community of educators, students, and families. This partnership demonstrates the transformative power of narrative pedagogy in creating sustainable and inclusive educational practices.