EEMTI Jaime Tomaz De Aquino

Creating a sustainable legacy: This school puts the environment at the centre of education

EEMTI Jaime Tomaz De Aquino, a government secondary school in Beberibe, Ceará, Brazil, is redefining the role of education in creating a greener, more sustainable future. Overcoming the challenges of its location and the lack of existing trees, the school has successfully fostered environmental consciousness and addressed issues like wasteful practices and incorrect waste disposal. As a result, the school has become a recognised institution for its commitment to sustainability.

Shortly after its construction in 2019, EEMTI Jaime Tomaz De Aquino joined the Department of Education’s Ceará (SEDUC) Sustainable School Seal Programme as a means of implementing a comprehensive programme focused on curriculum, environmental management, physical space, and socio-environmental education in an effort to reverse the limited awareness about environmental issues and harmful practices in the community.

The school’s curriculum introduces topics like "Harmful Plastic" to raise awareness of waste, while field classes and workshops provide hands-on experience in reusing bottles, recycling paper, and creating ecological products. The school actively participates in events and collaborates with various organisations involved in nature preservation.

Regarding environmental management, the school carries out awareness campaigns on energy use and water consumption, uses reminder posters, and has formed an environmental working group. It also takes part in collecting selective waste, paper recycling, and reuses water from air conditioners. The physical space itself has been enhanced with new trees, hanging gardens from recycled bottles, green roofs, a school garden, and a biodigester prototype.

The school is also active on social networks to promote environmental engagement, and hosts a dedicated radio programme for environmental information.

The school's actions have led to increased student participation in environmental events and stronger ties with environmental activism and education groups. Its own sustainable practices have reduced water consumption, increased rainwater capture, and produced organic fertiliser. Notably, it has helped reduce disposable household waste by approximately 80%.

If EEMTI Jaime Tomaz De Aquino wins the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action, it plans to expand educational initiatives and strengthen ecological awareness. The school aims to collaborate with other groups and schools in the region in an effort to replicate sustainable practices. It also hopes to support transportation, food, hydration, and other necessary expenses. Additionally, the school plans to invest in maintenance, acquiring eco project materials, and creating a suitable space for art and creativity.