Hero School

Transforming waste into educational opportunities and community solutions

Hero School, a charity-based kindergarten through secondary school in San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala, turns waste into educational and community infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2008, it has revolutionised the concept of waste by integrating it into the construction of educational and community infrastructure, benefiting its 175 students.

At the core of Hero School's mission is the innovative Green Building Project, which uses recycled materials to enhance local infrastructure while integrating the curriculum with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The project demonstrates sustainable building practices and educates students and the local community on the value of repurposing waste, having constructed significant portions of the school from recycledmaterials.

In addition to its main initiatives, Hero School undertakes several community-oriented projects that significantly contribute to its goals. These include sustainable living workshops that educate on practical environmental practices and engagement projects that collaboratively improve local infrastructure, such as constructing smoke-safe stoves and water storage solutions. These activities enhance learning and foster a sense of community responsibility and participation. The school’s commitment to environmental action is further demonstrated through its receipt of various environmental awards.

If awarded the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action, Hero School plans to utilise the prize money to further enhance its green infrastructure projects and expand teacher training, ensuring the continuation and growth of its transformative impact on environmental education.