CARBON DETOX

In setting up this project, we had several major objectives in mind: - To educate pupils and teachers about the scientific facts of climate change and the importance of decarbonisation. We also wa...

In setting up this project, we had several major objectives in mind: - To educate pupils and teachers about the scientific facts of climate change and the importance of decarbonisation. We also wanted to transform our schools into eco-responsible establishments, where environmental awareness is a way of life. - To increase pupils' level of knowledge about environmental issues, develop their creativity, imagination and digital skills (production of digital content). We also wanted to improve their multilingual communication and language skills, as well as their ability to work in teams and practise peer learning. - Show them how to reuse resources, produce new objects from old ones, and save energy (particularly oil, by recycling plastic). The aim was to get pupils to make recycling, zero waste and energy saving part of their daily lives and to pursue them in a sustainable way. - To make pupils better informed and more involved citizens in environmental issues, by fostering intercultural openness, empathy and tolerance.

The ‘Carbon Detox’ project brought together pupils aged 14 to 17 in a European educational programme. Selected on the basis of their motivation, attendance and inclusive profile, the pupils took part in Erasmus clubs to promote diversity and openness. The project was punctuated by international exchanges: in Martinique, the pupils discovered local biodiversity, built a solar oven, practised permaculture and explored the circular economy. In Turkey, they made objects from recycled materials, took part in zero waste workshops and planted trees. In Romania, they observed the Danube delta, created objects from waste and developed their digital skills. The project strengthened their ecological awareness, their practical skills and their ability to cooperate internationally. It also reached out to a wider audience through local actions, digital tools and educational encounters.

The project has had a strong and measurable impact. The pupils have increased their knowledge of climate change through workshops, the Climate Fresco and field trips. They understood the importance of zero waste, tree planting and organic farming. The project developed their linguistic, digital and collaborative skills through concrete productions: Genially, posters, a ‘Carbon Challenge’ video, symbols painted on the ground, letters to future generations, and recycled objects. The pupils also made sustainable shoes and toys, planted trees and created a vegetable garden. Their commitment has resulted in behavioural changes: increased ecological awareness, intercultural openness, autonomy and a sense of responsibility. The project has spread beyond the participants thanks to digital communications, a photo exhibition, press articles and Erasmus Days. A real multiplier effect has been created in families and schools. The last transnational meeting evaluated the results to ensure their sustainability.