The problem of environmental pollution is becoming an increasing challenge for society, and educating young people about the importance of preserving nature is crucial for the future of our planet. Schools around the world are recognizing the need to incorporate ecological topics into their educational programs and actively participate in various ecological initiatives.
Therefore, the Economic-Administrative School in Split and the Liceo Artistico Marco Polo in Venice, along with Sunce, are participating in the ML-FREE project. As part of the project, schools in Split and Venice took part in beach clean-up actions.
Venice: first-hand experience
On March 23, 2024, students from Marco Polo Liceo Artistico High School in Venice actively participated in a beach cleaning workshop. Following the Protocol for Organizing Clean-up Actions, they diligently cleared the beach, removing 4 kg of plastic, metal, and glass, along with 0.24 kg of paper and 13.8 kg of miscellaneous waste (including medical waste, processed wood, flip-flops, and rubber).
By understanding the types and quantities of waste collected, they were empowered to brainstorm and implement preventative measures. Thereby, they are actively contributing to the mitigation of marine litter pollution.
By actively participating in beach cleaning actions, students gained firsthand experience of the impact of marine litter pollution. Through hands-on involvement, they not only learned about the issue but also developed a deepened awareness of the consequences of irresponsible waste disposal.
Split: a commendable school initiative
Similarly, on March 25, 2024, students from the School of Economics and Administration in Split engaged in a beach cleaning workshop. They adhered to the established protocol for monitoring marine debris, meticulously analyzed the composition and quantity of the collected waste, and systematically entered the data about the collected waste into the database at https://vrtlac.izor.hr/ords/apopub/.
Educators involved in organizing and supervising the field trip workshops had the opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices. This collaborative effort fostered professional growth and enriched their knowledge base, enabling them to better address environmental topics in their teaching curricula.
Also, on April 12, 2024, during the School’s Open Day event, School of Economics and Administration showcased Eco-School Initiative, presenting the ML-FREE project in the school library. This endeavor underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores the proactive involvement of students in fostering sustainability within community.
