Our project, “CIRcular City through educational circular economy methods for social enterprises” (CIRC), aligns with the European Green Deal’s priority to address environmental issues and fight against climate change. It focuses on adult education and aims to empower adults, particularly those at risk of exclusion due to lower income, lack of education, or ethnic backgrounds. We believe that by equipping these individuals with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the circular economy, we can make a significant impact.
Empowering Circular Entrepreneurs
One of our primary goals is to foster entrepreneurship in the circular economy sector. Many social enterprises and their employees are already active in fields such as waste management, reusing, repairing, and recycling. With the CIRC project, we want to help them become even more circular. We’re on a mission to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to enter the circular job market and, in some cases, even create their own circular companies.
Enhancing Educator Competence
To make this project a success, we’re focusing on improving the competencies of adult educators. Our aim is to equip them with specific knowledge in circular economy and the skills needed for careers or entrepreneurship in this sector. We are particularly dedicated to reaching adults at risk of exclusion, including those with lower income, limited education, or belonging to ethnic minorities.
Our project addresses a gap in education, especially for social companies and initiatives operating in the circular economy. We are determined to provide innovative educational materials and methods tailored to this sector. The project includes the development of a guide for adult educators, which will offer essential knowledge in circular economy.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Connections
The CIRC project is not just about providing education; it’s about creating a community of practitioners in the circular economy. We are developing a web platform to facilitate knowledge sharing, coordination, networking, and collaboration at a European level. This platform will be accessible to all adults, especially those at risk of exclusion who are interested in circular economy enterprises.
Our project takes a unique approach by focusing on professional tools and specific technical knowledge for our target group. We intend to provide them with tools like the Circular Canvas Model, an innovative approach to problem-solving and design thinking. This model encourages collaboration, creativity, and thinking outside the box, enabling teams to find unique solutions to complex problems.
Synergies and Impact
Our project has the potential to create synergies across various fields of education and training. We believe that the methodologies we develop, such as non-formal education activities, can be adapted and utilized in youth education and training to enhance skills and qualifications relevant to the workplace.
The CIRC project is a transnational effort that benefits from diverse expertise, and it addresses needs identified on a broader scale. By collaborating across borders, we can better target and respond to the educational gaps of learners and educators.
At a European level, we are striving to change the production model to a more sustainable one based on the circular economy. Our project’s results will not only contribute to environmental change but also foster a thriving community of practitioners in the field of circular economy. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact, transforming Europe with circular education.
-
Results:
