Green Skills Award Winners 2023

In an inspiring display of international support, thousands of citizens from all corners of the globe endorsed Lebanon’s public-school educator, Fateen Sleem, as the best practice in teaching and learning of green skills. Faten’s story highlights the power of bottom-up initiatives that serve as an inspiration for reducing waste and encourage other schools and communities to follow suit. This scheme emerged as the winner of 10 finalists selected from almost 600 applications from over 70 countries. The three winners were unveiled today by the European Training Foundation, organiser of the Green Skills Award since 2021.

Lebanon’s ‘Zero waste’ project: Educating for waste reduction and student environmental empowerment (winner)

Lebanon is grappling with a severe waste management issue characterised by piling waste and environmental pollution. To combat this, a public-school educator, Faten Sleem, launched a 'zero waste' initiative, focusing on education to empower students and the wider community. The project is establishing a model for waste reduction and inspire other schools and communities. The methodology involves developing a waste reduction plan, promoting reusable containers, collaborating with local businesses and parents, involving students in awareness campaigns, and establishing partnerships with local farmers and NGOs. They have achieved reduced waste generation, promoted sustainable behaviours, developed leadership skills, and improved the school's environmental footprint.

Morocco (with Spain) training for marginalised youth, and Kenya’s skills for waste management (second and third place)

• Morocco (in partnership with Spain): Bouregreg Med-O-Med Gardening School by FUNCI, providing green vocational training for marginalised youth. The Bouregreg Med-O-Med Gardening School is a vocational training centre in Salé, Morocco, that provides green employment opportunities for marginalised young people. Managed by FUNCI-Morocco, it offers free training and focuses on ecological gardening practices. The school is located on a rehabilitated landfill site and promotes sustainable development strategies in alignment with national environmental policies. With a three-year curriculum, it trains up to 90 learners annually and supports their integration into the job market. The school also serves as an environmental education centre for the public and generates income through plant production and various activities.
• Kenya: E-waste management, promoting skills development opportunities for sustainable e-waste management. Kenya’s project "Promoting Demand-Driven Skills in E-waste Management and Recycling in Kenya" aims to address the challenges posed by e-waste. Currently, only 1% of e-waste generated annually in Kenya is recycled, leading to environmental pollution. The project focuses on building the capacity of local institutions to train technicians with the necessary skills to process and manage e-waste. Through the development of a curriculum, equipment provision, and training, the project has successfully created employment opportunities for young Kenyans while addressing the environmental and health concerns associated with improper e-waste disposal. The project's approach and outcomes make it a leading model for sustainable e-waste management initiatives globally.