Little gardeners: Learning through nature

At the 4th Primary School of Latsia, efforts to enhance and enrich the school’s green spaces continued, building on projects initiated in previous years. Flower beds and planters were purchased and planted, beautifying the internal courtyard and the balconies outside the classrooms. Potting soil, flowerpots, and plants were also purchased to further improve the school environment. Strawberries and lettuces were planted in large planters, while environmental awareness magnets featuring messages and artwork created by the students were distributed to parents. The school was also recognised by **AFIS Cyprus** for its battery recycling efforts and received a grant of **€410** to cover transportation costs for environmental education visits and activities.

The school’s broader sustainability policy aims to create a healthy and welcoming environment that promotes the well-being of all members of the school community. The development of a greener and more attractive school environment is a key component of this environmental policy. Recycling also remains one of the school’s long-term priorities.

As part of the initiative, student teams were formed and assigned responsibility for watering and caring for the flower beds and gardens. Their efforts are supported by the school caretakers, who look after the plants during holidays and the summer break. At the same time, the school collaborates with the **Latsia School Board** to maintain, repair, and expand the irrigation system, ensuring the proper upkeep of the green areas.

The environmental magnets, featuring slogans and drawings created by the students, were distributed to families, while the school entrance was decorated with artwork made from recyclable materials. The flower beds and planters were placed in the school courtyard, where students from all grade levels participated in planting and caring for them, fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility, and active involvement in maintaining and beautifying their school environment.