What started as a creative response to a daily problem—protecting oneself from the sun in the classroom—ended up becoming a school recycling project recognized internationally.
Students from 6th grade at Escuela Provincia de Tucumán in Rivadavia (San Juan) developed “Alero Argentino”. A school recycling initiative that was presented to teachers and students from five countries at the ERI Network (International Networked Schools) meeting.
A real need as a starting point
The proposal emerged within the framework of a call from the ERI Network, coordinated in Argentina by the teacher Rosi Ávila, who encouraged teacher Marta Soria to join. The goal: to create a project that reused waste and promoted environmental care.
The students researched about waste generation, waste disposal, and recycling. They identified PET bottles as an available resource and decided to build a small overhang to cover the classroom windows where the sun hits hard during the summer.
Collaborative design and ecological awareness
The result was a small overhang built with 60 recycled plastic bottles, painted with the colors of the Argentine flag, wired together and mounted on a wooden frame. The goal was not only to mitigate the heat, but also to reduce the use of air conditioning, promoting energy efficiency and environmental awareness.
“The kids got involved in all stages, from collecting and cleaning the bottles, to designing and assembling the overhang,” explained teacher Manuel Cardozo, from the Technological Project subject.
International recognition and interdisciplinary learning
Thanks to the impact of the initiative, “Alero Argentino” was selected to represent Argentina at the international ERI meeting held in Antigua Guatemala, at the University of San Carlos.
The exhibition took place on July 17, consolidating the participation from San Juan in a global collaboration space.
“It was a unique opportunity to show what we can do from a public school in the interior of the country,” highlighted Cardozo.
The project integrated content from English and Technological Project, and prepared students for university challenges, such as the use of virtual platforms, APA standards, and teamwork.
Educational community and replicability
The recycling experience was made possible thanks to the support of school staff, such as the caretaker Tejada, who collaborated in the final installation, and the joint effort of the entire educational community.
“The idea is for this type of initiatives to be adapted in other parts of the country and the world,” concluded Cardozo.
“Alero Argentino” has become a replicable model for institutions seeking to promote sustainability through creative, accessible, and low-cost solutions.
Cover photo: Diario La Provincia SJ
