Overall, the FOOD RESCUE project strives to prepare students for future challenges by equipping them with critical 21st-century skills, promoting active citizenship, and enhancing environmental consciousness. Our three key objectives are: Innovative Curriculum Development: We sought to create an innovative curriculum for primary education (9-12) that raises awareness about food waste and its relation to climate change, and that equips students with transversal and green skills. By adopting a constructivist approach, the curriculum engages students in the knowledge production process, encouraging them to build innovative solutions for reducing food waste. Teacher Training Program: We aimed at designing a comprehensive training program for educators. This program focuses on enabling teachers to apply the FOOD RESCUE curriculum while enhancing their professional development in maker education and youth activism pedagogies. It addresses the need for teachers to adopt innovative teaching practices that nurture creativity and social sensitivity in students. Promoting Social Responsibility: The project also aimed at fostering a culture of social mindfulness and responsibility concerning food waste, by educating students early
The FOOD RESCUE project addresses the pressing challenges raised by climate change and rapid technological transformations. Schools play a crucial role in preparing the next generation for future jobs and unforeseen problems. To face these uncertainties, students need to develop critical skills such as curiosity, imagination, resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, and green skills. The FOOD RESCUE project aims at introducing an innovative educational package focusing on food waste as a learning context. By doing so, we intend to move beyond traditional lecture-based teaching methods and adopt student-centred, experiential learning approaches. The project aims at developing an innovative educational package, which combines various pedagogical tools such as maker education and youth activism. This curriculum will not only teach students about the consequences of food waste but also engage them in practical, reflective activities that promote deeper learning and the development of 21st-century skills. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a culture of social responsibility and environmental mindfulness, empowering students to take meaningful action towards climate change and community well-being.