Teaching the right attitude vis-à-vis waste management is one of the basic goals Cypriot schools aim to promote among their pupils.
According to Costas Hambiaouris, a primary education senior officer who spoke to CNA, Cyprus` Pedagogical Institute, with the support of the primary education department, is behind a wide range of activities, aiming at better waste management.
One of the main activities at schools is recycling of paper and plastic, in cooperation with Green Dot Cyprus. Pupils learn to dispose of their non reusable paper and plastic waste into special bins, that are regularly collected by Green Dot.
Another activity concerns the collection of cooking oil, that is turned into biodiesel, with 11 schools in the Pafos District taking part. Furthermore, pupils are encouraged to donate old clothing, which is then collected by “Anakyklos”, a non-for-profit organisation.
Hambiaouris noted moreover that schools cooperate with the Cyprus Antirheumatic Association, engaging thus pupils with volunteerism, while contributing to the purchase of much-needed equipment.
A series of activities take place within the Life+ funded programme “Rethink” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), whereby schools participate to promote their own initiatives.
CNA/KP/AGK/MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
** The interview is in the context of the project Rethink: Reduce- Reuse – Recycle which is funded by the EU programme LIFE+ (project code: LIFE13 INF/CY/000910) of the EU. Coordinating Beneficiary: CyBC. Partners: Green Dot Cyprus, Department of Environment, Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, CNA, Fost Plus Belgium **