EXPERIENCE REPORT ON THE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION COURSE: WORKING WITH THE ART OF RECYCLING IN PROJOVEM URBANO CLASSES

Abstract

This article reports on the pedagogical experience developed with Projovem Urbano classes at the schools EREM Padre Luiz Gonzaga (Araripina/PE), EREM Manoel Ribeiro Damasceno (Araripina/PE), and Escola Hortêncio Pereira Lima (Trindade/PE), with the objective of promoting Environmental Education through the Art of Recycling. Addressing the theme in an integrated way with the students' daily lives, the study adopted a qualitative approach, based on action-oriented practice and the pursuit of sustainable practices and ecological awareness. The proposal was anchored in the construction of interdisciplinary theoretical and practical pedagogical actions for the formation of knowledge, values, and attitudes aimed at reducing environmental degradation and improving quality of life. The project, entitled "The Art of Recycling in Projovem Urbano," used active methodologies, such as discussion circles, problematization of the theme, and participatory debates. Practical activities were at the heart of the experience, including the creation of handcrafted pencil holders from magazines and toilet paper rolls, handcrafted decorative candles with used candles and lids, and recycled handcrafted vases made from glass bottles. These practices aimed not only to awaken creativity and critical thinking about sustainability, but also to introduce entrepreneurial thinking and the appreciation of recycled objects. In addition, classes were held on the 5 Rs of the environment and guided visits were made to Compesa (for awareness about water treatment) and Mana Alimentos (to observe a business model with socio-environmental responsibility and reuse of all components of cassava). As a result of the experience, a significant increase in sustainable learning and the development of critical thinking in students regarding environmental preservation was observed. Continuous dialogue and practical activities allowed students to see recycling as a sustainable alternative and as a path to entrepreneurship, transforming waste into products for sale. The experience fulfilled its role of raising awareness among participants about environmental issues and solidifying a critical mindset, forming more conscious citizens and active participants in society.