GreenVET pathway

A group photo of students with bags full of collected rubbish.

Students for a Sustainable and Caring Community (Serve your community)

Students from various vocational programs engage in hands-on community projects that promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. Through creative reuse of materials, local clean-up actions, and educational outreach, the school becomes an active agent of positive change in its neighborhood.

Key People and Partners Involved

• Students and teachers
• Local residents and community centers
• Local NGOs and environmental groups
• City council or local government

Description of the practice

This best practice centers on the idea that vocational schools can be powerful drivers of community well-being. Students from different departments collaborate on projects that directly benefit their local environment and neighbors. For example, they collect waste materials and creatively repurpose them into festive decorations for public spaces, such as Christmas ornaments made from discarded textiles, wood, or plastic.

In addition, students participate in local clean-up campaigns, help set up or improve waste separation systems in public buildings, and raise awareness about recycling through posters, workshops, or social media. These activities not only improve the cleanliness and sustainability of the area but also foster a sense of civic responsibility and teamwork among students.

Some departments contribute in unique ways: gardening students distribute wildflower seedlings to support pollinators, beauticians offer free eco-friendly self-care tips to the elderly, and electrical students help install or maintain solar-powered lighting in community spaces. These actions show how vocational skills can be used creatively to serve the community and promote sustainable living.

Where it’s being implemented

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• In April 2024, students from several vocational schools in Celje actively participated in a large-scale community clean-up initiative organized by the municipality and local environmental services. They cleaned school surroundings, public parks, and riverbanks, demonstrating environmental responsibility and teamwork. The action involved over 3,000 volunteers and showcased how youth engagement can significantly contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
  https://www.celje.info/aktualno/cistilna-akcija-v-celju-2024-tako-je-mladina-cistila-svoje-mesto-foto/
• The PULCHRA project (2020-2023), funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme, involved schools across Europe in transforming their cities into more sustainable and resilient places. Students worked on real-life urban challenges through science-based learning and community collaboration. Activities included mapping green spaces, improving waste management, and proposing eco-friendly mobility solutions.
  https://pulchra-schools.eu/about/
• At BS Mindelheim in Germany, students are helping bring a disused railway line back to life. The project could improve access to the school and boost mobility for the entire region. As part of the effort, students from the agriculture and forestry departments are clearing trees and overgrowth from the 100-year-old tracks. It’s a great example of how vocational education can support real-world community projects. Check out this TV feature on the initiative:"
  https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=2QRDcWX8jhc

Impact and Results

• Strengthened ties between school and local community
• Empowered students with real-world impact
• Increased awareness of recycling and sustainability
• Positive media and public recognition of the school
• Cleaner and more attractive public spaces

Implementation Tips and Insights

• Start with small, visible projects to build momentum
• Involve students in idea generation to boost ownership
• Partner with local authorities for support and visibility
• Celebrate achievements with the community
• Use social media to share progress and inspire others

Useful Links and Resources

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource. This global movement provides inspiration and practical tools for organizing community clean-up actions, making it a valuable resource for schools engaging students in environmental responsibility.
https://letsdoitworld.org/
This initiative supports youth-led climate solutions with funding and mentorship, making it an excellent platform for students who want to turn their community sustainability projects into impactful, real-world actions.
https://youth4climate.grantplatform.com/