CO-EDUCATION IN GREEN IN ACTION

When we learn about the implementation of actions that promote societal values, we often understand the theoretical part but struggle to see the practical part.

Currently, within the framework of the Eramus+ projects of the European Union, a KA2 project called Coeducation in Green is being developed.Partners from different countries are participating to work on the creation of shared green areas and on the promotion of community education to make these ideas come to life. This group of partners is formed by Polygonal (Italy), P-Consulting (Greece), University of Aveiro (Portugal), VsLl Edukaciniai Projektai (Lithuania), COMCY (Xipre), Open Europe (Spain) and Associació Taller Baix Camp (Spain).

Without going any further, one of these partners, the Associació Taller Baix Camp, has built a sensory garden to favour the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and, in this way, promote their autonomy and improve their quality of life.

Moreover, this new facility was not intended only for the organisation's members. It is addressed to everybody who wants to learn new ways of working in the social sector, as well as people who may be beneficiaries or future users of the space.

To carry out this event, the Associació Taller Baix Camp, together with other entities of the city of Reus, organised a popular walk. It brought together almost 800 people, in which the start and finish was the sensory garden, where an open day took place so that everyone could get to know and enjoy this area.

What may seem like a simple meeting of people to go for a walk, becomes a day that values such as social inclusion, empathy, solidarity, community education, among others, are promoted. And this is and has to be the ultimate goal, that people improve the lives of others.

In addition, access to the sensory garden allowed everyone to feel for a day the "life" behind every object, every room, every corner. To see how a small rough corner that starts out as stone changes its state and melts into water. How a wall full of panels can become an area of self-discovery. How flowers fill flower boxes with colour and bring a special scent to every moment of the day. People are happier when they are reunited with nature, with their inner self and enjoy green spaces shared with other people.

To conclude, it is not just a matter of thinking, but of acting, because it is actions that determine the path to be followed in the future. Let's bet on this future by implementing sustainable, inclusive and educational ideas. We have given the example of a popular walk, but there are thousands of things that can be done to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities or at risk of social exclusion: meetings, walks, performing arts days, solidarity meals, sports days, and many more.

And you, what do you plan to do?