Teaching change and inspiring action in Split schools
AWASTER project in Split (Croatia) actively engages schools, students and business sector representatives in promoting circular economy principles through hands-on workshops, creative exhibitions and impactful environmental actions.
From interactive learning and artistic waste repurposing in Visoka and Skalice schools, to beach clean-ups with students and business sector representatives, these initiatives foster awareness and inspire sustainable habits both in classrooms and beyond.
After developing the AWASTER educational program, Sunce brought its content to life through a series of creative workshops carried out in two elementary schools in Split, Visoka and Skalice. Designed to engage young students in circular economy principles, the workshops used interactive games, discussions, and hands-on activities to explore waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
As part of the creative segment, and in collaboration with a local artist, children repurposed waste materials to craft new, useful items turning discarded objects into imaginative creations.
By making complex topics accessible and fun, the workshops empowered children to understand their role in protecting the Adriatic and inspired them to become active participants in building a more sustainable future.
Sunce organized a coastal clean-up action at Pantan beach near Trogir that is a part of Natura 2000 area, bringing together students from the elementary schools Skalice and Visoka in Split, as well as representatives of business sector, Garnier company.
The event combined hands-on environmental action with learning: while cleaning the beach, children also participated in an educational waste hunt game, designed to teach them how to recognize and categorize different types of waste.
Garnier employees alo participated in the clean up action as well as the educational workshops that was held online for them. The online wokshop focused on integrating circular economy principles into business practices.
This joint activity highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in promoting sustainability. Connecting education, community action and the business sector under one shared goal results in protecting our coastal Adriatic environment.
As a continuation of the AWaSTER educational activities, exhibitions were set up in the elementary schools Visoka and Skalice, showcasing the creative items students made from waste during the workshops.
These displays serve not only as a celebration of the students’ efforts, but also as a tool for spreading awareness beyond the classroom.
By inviting parents and the school community to view the exhibits, the initiative encouraged a valuable child-to-parent transfer of knowledge thus inspiring families to reflect on waste, consumption and the possibilities of circular thinking at home.
