The Challenge
Traditional education often remains confined within the four walls of the classroom and detached from the real-world environment where young people live. However, the urban environment is full of issues related to air quality, biodiversity, and environmental protection, which require practical knowledge and civic engagement to understand. All of these affect our quality of life, and we, as citizens, influence their parameters.
Our Actions
The innovative project “The Neighborhood – My Classroom” transforms the area around schools into a natural space for learning and development. For 7 months, students and a team of specialists explore real environmental parameters in their neighborhood, becoming active citizens who understand and protect the environment and their local community.
What We Achieved
- Air Monitoring: Measuring stations for fine particulate matter were installed on school buildings, integrated into Airbg’s online system for round-the-clock tracking.
- Urban biodiversity: Students built and installed birdhouses and an insect hotel in the school courtyards.
- Environmental studies: Research was conducted on noise levels, GSM radiation, green spaces, biodiversity, and waste collection organization.
- Civic proposals: Students developed specific ideas for improving the urban environment and developing the neighborhood.
Organizers and Partners
During the 2025/2026 academic year, the initiative of the Public Center for Environment and Sustainable Development (PCESD) was implemented jointly with “Vasil Aprilov” Primary School and the Vocational High School of Textile and Fashion Design (VHSTFD) in Varna. The project “The Neighborhood – My Classroom” was part of the “We Learn Together” program of the “Teach for Bulgaria” Foundation and was implemented with the financial support of the “America for Bulgaria” Foundation.
Project Coordinator:
Iliyan Iliev
Phone number: 0887 35 11 41
e-mail: pecsd@ecovarna.info