Tiganokinisi: teaching and supporting schools in Cyprus
Tiganokinisi (‘pan movement’ in Greek) is an educational and environmental programme. It is implemented in Cypriot schools and run by the AKTI Project and Research Centre (a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Nicosia) in collaboration with the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth.
It focuses on collecting used cooking oil (UCO) from schools and converting it to biodiesel. Its end-goal is to provide resources for environmental education activities and environmental infrastructure in schools. Tiganokinisi tackles the issues linked to UCO, while applying the values of the circular economy. It has come up with a solution comprising sources of income, innovation and education. Students bring UCO from their homes, AKTI collects it and the money derived from selling the oil are channelled back to schools, to be invested in environmentally-friendly practices and green infrastructure.
Participating schools can use AKTI's educational activities and become a reference point for local society, where people can learn about sustainable practices.