User:Whaleofatime

Whale of a Time
Whale of a Time metaphorically refers to the whale in size and its great qualities. Whales are the largest mammals that have ever lived on the blue planet. The blue whale for example is even larger than the largest dinosaurs. They are gigantic in size and weight, weighing up to 200 tones. We know today that some whale species also can reach significant age of over 200 years and that they have evolved over 18 millions of years. The whale species with the largest brain is the sperm whale which measures the size of a car. Imagine, you can swim in their veins freely. So having a whale of a time is an expression that derives it's sense from this comparison meaning having an extraordinary, great time!

Whale of a Time is a community organisation promoting sustainability whilst raising awareness about endangered species and our impact on the world around us whilst inspiring a positive attitude to get involved in pro-active projects and building a sustainable society and take care of our planet.

Whale of a Time’s Mission is to focus and connect with different communities around the planet, planting seeds for sustainable projects, develop community wellbeing and restoring the ecological balance of Gaia - Earth-goddess in ancient Greek religion - by supporting native wildlife, indigenous tribes, marine reserves and the preservation of the rainforest for future generations.

Their aim is to facilitate a motivating environment and to incorporate environmental education into social studies for the general public and schools. Their target age groups are children and young people as well as adults.

Irene Schleining is the founder of the organisation called "Whale of a Time", with workshops to provide an opportunity for both the young and old to model whales and other endangered species out of clay, and at the same time learn about the environment, bio-diversity and sustainability whilst having a whale of a time. Her passion and commitment for the community, nature, and art has carried her on a path to create a platform for an environmentally conscious community where people are able to strengthen their connection with nature, build on their artistic skills and exchange cultural ideas.

In 2007 a vision to live in a sustainable way with our planet has lead her to found the community organisation called Whale of a Time. Her passion and commitment for the community, nature and art has carried her on a path to create a platform for an environmentally conscious community where people are able to strengthen their connection with nature, build on their artistic skills, exchange cultural ideas and get inspirations to care for our planet in the Whale of a Time Community.

Irene’s passion and commitment for the community and the planet reflects in her work with Whale of a Time. Irene says that, “While working with Whale of a Time I feel I can devote my energy to support a worthwhile cause, participating in the development of sustainable living for future generations, getting involved in the protection of endangered species and ecosystems which all life on Earth depends on.”

This creative workshop, combined with the theme of the environment, has a huge effect on children who have otherwise very little contact with nature since more than half of the world populations are now living in cities. Irene believes that it's essential for everybody to receive the opportunity for one’s individual creative development and to connect with the love and beauty of nature which gives meaning and purpose to take good care of each other and our planet.

Participants get the opportunity to make a model of endangered animal and/or plant species in clay. Participants can not only explore their knowledge about endangered species but also investigate ways we can actively change our behaviours towards a sustainable society with less impact on the environment and find ways to take steps to preserve endangered species.

Next to the Whale of a Time Workshops Whale of a Time also provides an online platform for environmentally-conscious people in the Whale of a Time Community where writers, musicians, filmmakers, indigenous people and experts can share their knowledge, expertise and creative messages with the mission to showcase and inspire people around the world to take care of our planet.

Whale of a Time Awards include the following recognitions: In 2009 Whale of a Time was acknowledged for its contribution towards the community and had been chosen as one of the finalists of the Archant London Environmental Awards.

In 2010 Whale of a Time received the Making a Big Difference Award in Lambeth and Whale of a Time was commissioned by Lambeth NHS Community Wellbeing Competition to do research on community wellbeing in Lambeth. It has been nominated for the Archant London Business Awards 2010.

Whale of a Time has been nominated for the Peace Award 2010 in recognition of our outstanding contribution to making London a better City. Irene Schleining, director of Whale of a Time has been nominated and duly recognised for her valuable contribution to peace and justice in London.

Whale of a Time is leading at Future Friendly Awards 2011, which recognises great environmental efforts and community projects across the UK and Ireland. Due to amazing public support Whale of a Time was topping the votes in the whole of UK and Ireland.

View their website at www.whaleofatime.org