The “Mondeguinho” project, developed in partnership with the Fornos de Algodres School Group, was awarded 1st Place in the “Environment and Sustainability” category at the 2026 National Education Awards. This distinction, promoted by Betweien, recognizes the municipal Environmental Education curriculum as a national reference in connecting education, sustainability, and territory.
The award ceremony took place on September 30, 2026, at the Gil Vicente Cultural Center in Sardoal. The award celebrates the work developed in recent years to promote a more sustainable, participatory, and conscious community, integrating environmental education into the 1st Cycle’s Extracurricular Enrichment Activities.
“Mondeguinho” innovates by transforming the territory into a living classroom, where students explore municipal infrastructure and natural resources, learning from the community's real challenges. This approach aims to connect new generations with their territorial identity, strengthening the link between education, citizenship, and sustainability.
Results include a significant increase in selective glass collection, a doubling of biowaste collection, and strong family participation in composting programs. The project has become an instrument for behavioral change and community engagement, extending learning from school to families and local society.
The Municipality highlighted that the award is the result of the joint effort of the educational community, municipal technicians, families, institutional partners, and especially the children, who are ambassadors for sustainability. This recognition reinforces Fornos de Algodres' position as an innovative territory capable of leading excellent educational projects.
The award aligns with the UN's 2030 Agenda and various national and municipal environmental education and sustainability strategies, underscoring the role of local authorities in promoting environmental literacy and citizen participation. It contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 6, 12, 13, and 15.
