Description
This project is based on the need to increase public awareness of certain sustainable living practices, which can be easily applied at home, at school or at work. The main objective of the project is to promote the social and environmental benefits of sustainable gardening and bio-waste management by means of environmental education, counselling and practical workshops. The main target group are students of MOZAIKA Primary and Secondary School, Rychnov nad Kněžnou, who will build and maintain a natural garden by themselves transferring their knowledge and skills from permaculture and composting workshops. A public campaign to enhance sound bio-waste treatment will be launched in cooperation with the local authorities and it would reduce the proportion of the biodegradable fraction in municipal waste.
Summary of project results
This project has originated from the need to raise public awareness of sustainable living and interest in positive environmental practices that can be applied at school, at home or at work. The project objective was to disseminate these principles and practical knowledge among students, parents and the wider community in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. The project hosted two public lectures on permaculture attended by 65 people. 82 pupils from MOZAIKA Primary and Secondary School attended an experiential learning program on natural gardens and organic gardening on the school grounds. An educational event with an accompanying theater program on the topic of composting and bio-waste management was organized in the Old Square in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. A waste management counselling programme for the municipal office of the town was a part of this event. A separate organic waste collection has been successfully introduced to our school along with the year-round composting facilities. All the pupils attended a composting workshop. They have been taking care of two worm bins and a larger capacity spinning composter. Regular outdoor school ground lessons have become an important part of a study programme, all the students can learn essential knowledge and skills relating to organic gardening and eco-friendly living. Three successful public scythe workshops were organized with an attendance of more than 70 participants who practiced mowing a lawn with scythes in the school grounds. The project coordinator has also completed her Environmental Education and Financial Management studies. Our organisation is, therefore, ready to continue to expand activities aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and environmentally friendly approaches among students and within the wider community. Our project had a remarkable impact on its target groups. Environmental education has become an important part of a vibrant school life during the project implementation. More activities in this field have been requested by members of the public.
Summary of bilateral results