German School Erbil at 15: The rise of the Green School movement

The German School Erbil (GSE) in 2025 celebrates a milestone that few educational institutions in the Kurdistan Region can claim with such pride: 15 years of academic excellence, cultural exchange and community service.

What began as a modest initiative to introduce German educational standards in Erbil has grown into a vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking institution, now serving hundreds of students from Kindergarten through to the bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.

As Chairperson of GSE’s Board, I have had the privilege of witnessing the school’s remarkable evolution into a leading academic institution - one that embodies the finest values of both Germany and Kurdistan: discipline, creativity, responsibility, and innovation. Today, the German School Erbil stands not only as a center of high-quality education, but also as a beacon of progressive thinking, environmental responsibility and global citizenship.

German excellence at the heart of Kurdistan

GSE is unique in the Region. As a non-profit institution under the supervision of German educational authorities, it follows a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes multilingualism, scientific inquiry and independent thinking. Young learners begin their educational journey in Kindergarten and progress seamlessly through primary and secondary levels to the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. This integrated pathway allows learners to grow and mature within a consistent academic environment grounded in shared values, modern pedagogy, and a strong international outlook.

Our teaching philosophy revolves around equipping students with the skills needed for the 21st century: profound language competence in German and English, analytical and scientific thinking, cross-cultural awareness, and a deep respect for diversity. We take pride in preparing students not only for universities in Kurdistan and Iraq but also for institutions across Germany, Europe, and the world.

Yet academic merit alone is not enough. To thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape, young people need more than knowledge - they need purpose. At GSE, that purpose includes a deep understanding of our responsibility to the environment.

The Green school vision

The Kurdistan Region is blessed with remarkable natural beauty - mountains, valleys, fertile plains, and centuries-old forests. Yet it also faces serious environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, climate stress, waste mismanagement, and a rapidly growing young population that often outpaces public infrastructure.

Faced with these realities, we asked ourselves a simple but vital question: What role can a school play in shaping a more sustainable future for our region?

The answer became the foundation of a transformative shift in our educational mission.

GSE in 2024 formally launched its Green School Initiative, joining a global movement inspired by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the international Eco-Schools program. Our goal was ambitious yet clear: to embed sustainability into every aspect of school life - not as a standalone subject, but as a shared culture.

The Green School is more than a campus with plants and recycling bins. It is a community that cultivates environmental responsibility, climate awareness, and hands-on experience. It teaches students that sustainability is not an abstract idea; it is something they can practice every single day.

Putting sustainability into practice

Indeed, in just one school year, the transformation has been remarkable. GSE has taken bold and practical steps to make environmental education tangible, experiential, and fully integrated into everyday learning.

1. Eliminating single-use plastics
One of our first initiatives was the complete ban of single-use plastic bottles on campus. Students and staff now use reusable bottles - a simple yet effective measure that has significantly reduced plastic waste while raising awareness about responsible consumption.

2. Waste sorting and recycling awareness
Color-coded waste bins for paper and general waste were introduced across the campus. Students actively participate in proper waste sorting, learning through daily practice what responsible disposal looks like.

3. Building a functioning compost system
A compost area was established in the school garden, where organic waste - such as leaves, grass, plant remains, and food scraps from the school kitchen - is transformed into natural fertilizer. Students are involved at every stage, from collecting materials to maintaining the compost and using the nutrient-rich soil in our gardens.

4. Greening the campus with flowers and trees
The school garden has evolved into a living classroom. Students from different grade levels participated in planting herbs, flowers and young trees, gaining hands-on experience that teaches biology alongside patience, responsibility, and respect for nature.

5. Upcycling and creative reuse
To foster innovative thinking around waste reduction, students created plant pots, decorations, and art pieces from used cans, bottles, and jars. These activities highlight the value of repurposing materials instead of discarding them.

6. Renewable energy projects
One of our most exciting steps was the construction of simple solar ovens by students, allowing them to explore how solar energy can be converted into heat.
We also installed a mini photovoltaic system, donated by Terrawatt, a local company, a first step toward a much larger ambition: a planned installation of approximately 150 solar panels on the school roof, for which we are still looking for a sponsor. This would significantly reduce the school’s electricity footprint and serve as a real, visible model of clean energy for students and visitors alike.
Students constructed simple solar ovens, giving them firsthand experience of how solar energy can be converted into heat. In addition, a mini photovoltaic system - donated by Terrawatt, a Kurdistan-based electrical company - was installed on campus, marking the first step toward a larger ambition: the planned installation of approximately 150 solar panels on the school roof.
We are currently seeking a sponsor for this project, which would significantly reduce the school’s electricity footprint while serving as a highly visible model of clean energy for students and visitors alike.

7. Educational visits
To deepen practical understanding, we organized visits to a tree nursery, a modern greenhouse, and a plastic recycling plant. Observing professional operations firsthand enabled students to connect theoretical learning with real-world solutions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of environmental stewardship.

Green education as a cultural mission

Our Green School project goes beyond environmental activities; it is part of a broader mission to cultivate responsible, conscious, and socially engaged citizens.

In a Region with a young and growing population, environmental awareness is crucial for future stability and prosperity. By integrating sustainability into education, we are helping build a generation that values its land, protects its resources, and understands the consequences of environmental neglect.

This transformation extends beyond our school. Students bring their knowledge home, teaching siblings, parents, and friends. Many families now seek our guidance on composting, plant care, and recycling. We believe change begins with individuals, and students are our most effective ambassadors of change.

Towards a sustainable education in Kurdistan

As we celebrate the GSE’s 15th anniversary, we are not only reflecting on past achievements but also presenting a vision for the next fifteen years - one grounded in academic excellence and environmental responsibility.

Our goals include:

- Establishing a full greenhouse and hydroponics learning center on campus
- Expanding renewable energy installations
- Launching a student-led sustainability council
- Strengthening partnerships with government bodies, nongovernmental and environmental organizations
- Integrating sustainability into the curriculum across all grade levels
- Promoting educational tourism through student workshops and environmental events

A message to the people of Kurdistan

GSE belongs to this community and stands tall today thanks to the trust of families, the dedication of teachers, and the support of partners from Kurdistan and Germany.

As we celebrate 15 years of service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey. Even more, we invite you to join us in shaping a more sustainable Kurdistan.

Education is the foundation of every modern society, and environmental awareness is one of its pillars. Together, we can nurture a generation that not only excels academically but also protects the beauty and resources of this land.

GSE remains committed to being an active part of that effort.

Sipan Abdulselam Berwari is the chairperson of the Board, German School Erbil

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.