All - Leep Calendar

School communities across Australia gather annually to care for the environment by participating in Schools Clean Up Day. The event engages students in active conservation and teaches environmental sustainability. Conducted in partnership with Cool Australia, lesson plans and resources for teachers focus on water, energy, climate change, packaging, waste, and recycling. Tools for teachers are available on the event's website. This date(s) may vary by city and province. Schools Clean Up Day first ran in 1992.

Africa

Mar

School Meals Day, Intl: March 13

06:20 AM | -

International School Meals Day (ISMD) seeks to encourage children and their teachers to discuss the impact the food they eat has on their lives. A popular activity is for children to share their favorite foods with their classmates and learn about foods produced or grown locally. This event was first observed in the United States and the United Kingdom in 2013. The date may vary in different cities and countries around the world.

Africa

Mar

School Social Work Week, Ntl.: March 2-8

06:20 AM | -

National Schools Social Work Week in the United States is promoted by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). According to SSWAA, school social work is a specialized practice area within the broad field of professional social work. School social workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team. They are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators, and provide individual and group counseling/therapy. They are instrumental in furthering the school's mission to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and attaining competence and confidence. School districts hire them to enhance their ability to meet their academic mission, especially where home, school, and community collaboration is the key to student success.

Africa

Mar

Scoot to School Week (IE): March 3-7 (est)

06:20 AM | -

National Scoot to School Week in Ireland, initiated by Green Schools Ireland in 2015, promotes healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transportation for primary school students. The week encourages children to use scooters, walk, bike, or utilize public transport to travel to and from school to address health and environmental concerns. National Scoot to School Week addresses pressing health issues, as evidenced by studies showing a decline in physical activities among school children in Ireland and an alarming rise in obesity rates. In addition to combating health problems, it also focuses on environmental sustainability. Reducing reliance on private transport helps tackle air pollution, which is a significant environmental risk in Ireland. The week includes various activities designed to make scooting to school enjoyable and safe. Schools often organize events like scooter races, workshops, and road safety education sessions. The week champions physical exercise and aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, thereby contributing to environmental preservation. Since its inception, National Scoot to School Week has expanded its impact, encouraging a shift in mindset towards healthier lifestyles and environmental consciousness among children and their families.

Africa

Mar

Sea Week (AU/NZ): March 1-9 (est)

06:20 AM | -

Sea Week in Australia and New Zealand, held annually, is a notable event to promote ocean literacy and foster a deeper connection between people and the sea. In New Zealand, Sea Week is organized by the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC) and was first introduced by the Marine Education Society of Australasia in 1992. The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) coordinated the event from the late 1990s until 2019, after which MERC took a more active role. The event encompasses various activities such as school presentations, community beach clean-ups, kayaking, snorkeling, and marine ecosystem field trips. These activities are designed to engage people of all ages and inspire them to learn about and connect with the marine environment. The goal of Sea Week is to instill a sense of stewardship and a deeper understanding of the importance of oceans to our lives. In Australia, Sea Week is part of a broader campaign led by the Marine Stewardship Council to raise awareness about the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on our planet. The week features virtual visits, quizzes, and educational resources to improve our understanding of the ocean's influence on us and our impact on the sea. Sea Week highlights the challenges facing our oceans, such as pollution, overfishing, and the effects of climate change. By participating in Sea Week activities, individuals can contribute to efforts to preserve marine life and ecosystems, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. This event is crucial for educating the public about the importance of the sea and fostering a commitment to its conservation.

Africa

Mar

Seagrass Day, World: March 1

06:20 AM | -

On May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 1 as World Seagrass Day to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for seagrass ecosystems. Seagrasses are marine flowering plants found in shallow waters worldwide, forming extensive meadows that support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. Despite their significance, seagrasses are in danger, with approximately 7% of these habitats being lost annually. The combined pressures of coastal development, pollution, climate change, and unregulated fishing contribute to their degradation. Only a quarter of seagrass meadows fall within marine protected areas, highlighting the need for conservation actions. Seagrasses offer numerous benefits, including providing habitat for marine species, supporting fisheries, improving water quality by filtering pollutants, acting as carbon sinks, and protecting coastlines from erosion and storms. Raising awareness about their importance can drive efforts to conserve and restore these ecosystems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Efforts to protect seagrasses can contribute to economic, societal, and nutritional objectives. Conservation and restoration initiatives are being implemented worldwide, with some projects recognized as World Restoration Flagships, exemplifying large-scale and long-term ecosystem restoration. Including seagrass management in sustainable blue economy strategies and promoting their inclusion in post-2020 global biodiversity frameworks further supports their protection and restoration. In summary, World Seagrass Day aims to highlight the significance of seagrass ecosystems, their current threats, and the importance of conservation and restoration efforts to achieve multiple environmental and development goals.

Africa

Mar

Seal Day, Intl: March 22*

06:20 AM | -

International Day of the Seal is recognized by zoos and aquariums worldwide. Types of seals include Crabeater, Elephant, Fur, Leopard, Ross, Weddell, and Sea Lions. In total, there are 18 known species of seals. International Day of the Seal is rumored to have been created by a congressional declaration in 1982. We went through all the public laws originating in the 97th Congress for 1981 and 1982, and there is no such declaration. That doesn't mean it isn't an event worthy of recognition. Seals are essential to marine ecosystems around the world.

Africa

Mar

Seals, Intl. Day of Action for: March 15*

06:20 AM | -

Like its March 22 cousin, today is a celebration of seals. However, today focuses on ending the commercial slaughter of seal pups and raising awareness about this practice.

Africa

Mar

Selection Sunday, NCAA: March 16

06:20 AM | -

Selection Sunday is the day the brackets for the NCAA Tournament are announced. Sixty-eight teams hear their names called on this evening's broadcast. Thirty-two earn automatic bids by winning their respective conference tournaments, and a ten-member basketball selection committee chooses the remaining thirty-six. For teams and fans, Selection Sunday is one of the most important days of the year.

Africa

Mar

Self-Injury Awareness Day, Global.: March 1

06:20 AM | -

Self-injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a global awareness day. Its purpose is to raise awareness about self-injury, what leads to it, and how to help people free themselves from this debilitating mental illness.

Africa

Mar

Senior, Wellderly Week: March 17-23

06:20 AM | -

Wellderly Week is a license not to act your age and focus on happiness (and playfulness). It is a week that brings attention to the positive effects of a youthful outlook on life, whether you're 26 or 96. Enjoy!

Africa

Mar

Seward's Day Observed: (US-AK)(1867): March 31

06:20 AM | -

Observed on the last Monday in March annually in Alaska, Seward's Day commemorates one of the most outstanding real estate deals ever made. On March 30, 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for a mere $7.2 million! William Seward, Secretary of State for the United States, negotiated the deal, and in 1867, people thought he was crazy. They referred to it as "Seward's Folly" and "Seward's Icebox." Seward got the last laugh, though! In 1896 gold was discovered in the Klondike, and 100 years later, in 1967, oil was found on the arctic coast. Seward went down in history as a genius!

Africa

Mar

Seward's Folly (1867): March 30

06:20 AM | -

Seward's Folly, also known as the Alaska Purchase, refers to the U.S. government's acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The purchase was made under the presidency of Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the deal with the Russian Minister to the United States, Eduard de Stoeckl. The purchase was initially met with widespread ridicule and criticism, with many people viewing it as a foolish and wasteful decision. At the time of the purchase, Alaska was largely considered a barren, remote territory with few resources of value. In fact, many people referred to it as "Seward's Icebox" or "Seward's Folly," a name that stuck due to the skepticism and criticism surrounding the deal. The purchase of Alaska, however, turned out to be a wise decision for the United States. The discovery of gold in the late 1800s and the development of the fishing industry in the early 1900s proved to be valuable resources. Today, Alaska is known for its oil, natural gas, timber, and fishing industries. It is also a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. In retrospect, the purchase of Alaska is viewed as a shrewd investment by the United States, as it secured the country's foothold in the Pacific Northwest and expanded its territory. The acquisition of Alaska also helped strengthen the United States' claim to the Pacific Northwest, which was being contested by the British at the time.

Africa

Mar

Sex Workers Rights Day, Intl. (2001): March 3

06:20 AM | -

International Sex Workers Rights Day was created in 2001, when over 25,000 sex workers gathered in India for a festival, despite public outcry and the removal of their permit. Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee organized the 2001 event. Since sex workers have marked this anniversary as an international event; non-profits and other groups use it to educate workers about their rights and provide information to help them deal with various issues that go hand in hand with the industry.

Africa

Mar

Shabbat Across America (J)(US/CA): March 7 (est)

06:20 AM | -

Regardless of how you identify as Jewish, join millions of others throughout the continent celebrating Shabbat together this Friday night. The NJOP's annual Shabbat program will give you a "taste" of Shabbat. Explanatory services, traditional rituals, delicious meals, and lively discussions are part of the Shabbat experience. It's also an opportunity to spend the evening with others of the faith, family, and friends.

Africa