Act local, think global!

It is a well - known fact that the waste generation rates of organic, non-organic and human-produced waste are continuously rising. This is due to the fast rate of population growth and urban development that generate consequences proved by statistics which show that every 500 million people living in European Union produce about 500 kilos of household rubbish annually. Consequently, the management and disposal process of such a large amount of waste will result in serious environmental effects. Landfills are running out of space and this method may pose health risks by polluting the soil, water and air while disposal of waste through incineration method may release toxic pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. EU member states have adopted a series of waste management policies with the aim to reduce environmental and health impact of waste and improve efficiency of EU’s resources. We, the five partner schools, have set up this partnership to increase awareness and produce positive changes in young people’s attitudes through a series of activities that call for active engagement and citizenship.Thus, we strongly believe that with the support of this Erasmus+ project, today’s students will grow into responsible adult citizens who will tackle the issue of waste management and become knowledgeable about real life concepts of environmental stewardship.OBJECTIVES01-to enhance active participation and citizenship amongst group of participants02-to raise students’ environmental awareness in regard to current global issues03-to foster transferability of waste management and pedagogical practices to generate positive changes04-to implement personalized waste management schemes in partner schools05-to enhance intercultural awareness, tolerance and respect for cultural diversity06-to engage participants in activities that relate to creativity, critical thinking and team work skillsACTIVITIESC1 Waste management policies in effect in partner countriesC2 Reduce today for a better tomorrow C3 Reuse today for a better tomorrowC4 Recycle & Recreate for a better tomorrowC5 Feasible home and school-based waste management strategiesWe will apply the following methodology: analysis report of present waste management policies and situations in partner countries, local and international activities with concrete solutions to reduce waste, creation of a comprehensive waste management guide to be applied at home and in schools.PARTICIPANTSThe direct beneficiaries in the project will be students aged 16-18, approximately 500students at partnership level. Participants will form the active group in the project and be organized in Eco Patrols to work on project tasks. The patrols will focus on specific tasks which students can join according to interest, skills, capacity to achieve them. They will be coordinated and supported by teachers in project team, who will supervise their activity and ensure the materials and activities are qualitative and produce the expected results. The project team of teachers in each school will consist of minimum 5 teachers who teach subjects related to project topics (English, Geography, Art, etc) but also teachers with experience in implementing school projects on similar topics.Other students and school staff in partner schools and outside the school, students’ families, members in the local and wider community, stakeholders will benefit from project results, products through dissemination, spread of results, activities and events.RESULTSIntangible results: knowledge, skills, attitudes, increased environmental consciousness, enhanced active engagement and citizenship, good practice exchange. Tangible results include: evaluation forms, topic presentations and reports, digital magazine, students’ diaries, campaigns, surveys, newsletter, leaflets, DIY project brochure, posters, waste management guide, project logo, website, twin space and social media page, magnets, items made of recyclable and reused materials and objects.IMPACT AND BENEFITSThe project will equip participants with the knowledge to apply effective waste management strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and actively contribute to environmental preservation schemes.These will be reflected in the range of concrete activities organized at school level, in their communities.They will be inspiring models for peers and the project will generate further multiplied positive results with future generations of students due to project sustainability plan.Teachers will develop their pedagogical portfolio and increase capacity to devise personalized engaging activities to suit their students’ profile and teach them lifelong skills. School staff will be equipped with project management skills to extend their partners network and set up future international cooperation projects. The project will stimulate participants to act as global multipliers in the education field in their own organisation, at regional and European level.