In October 2024, Elena Andreou (Environmental Specialist, KyklOIKOdromio), participated in a three-day training program (Train the trainers) in the framework of the project "CIRC -Circular City Through Educational Circular Economy Methods for Social Enterprises", with an invitation from the Centre of Social Innovation (CSI), one of the CIRC project's implementing partners. The three-day training took place from 15 to 17 October 2024, in Zvolen, Slovakia, hosted by NARA.SK. The aim of the training was to introduce circular economy methods and provide practical examples to the participants through interactive workshops.
Participation in the circular economy project had valuable benefits to offer, as it provided participants with an in-depth understanding of sustainable development principles and practices. Through interactive activities and knowledge sharing, participants gained skills to reduce waste, reuse materials and transition to business models aligned with circularity principles. At the same time, they were exposed to innovative ideas and strategies that can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable society. The workshop acted as a platform for inspiration and networking, fostering partnerships and creative solutions that are critical to the transition to a circular economy.
On the first day, participants visited an important industrial building in Poltar, Slovakia (an area known for glass production), which is now a multi-purpose space, including hosting an exhibition on the history of glass production. In addition, participants visited a small educational centre focusing on honey and beeswax production. There they were introduced to various local products made from beeswax as a by-product of honey production. Trainers from CRN (Comparative Research Network Ev) provided an excellent introduction to the principles and practices of the circular economy. Later, participants with trainer from SNRSS, took part in an educational board game entitled "Social Intervention - The Gateway to Integration and Reintegration", which aimed at interactive learning. The game focused on building trust, understanding social exclusion, identifying needs and barriers, communicating effectively and creating a safe and supportive environment.
On the second day, in Vel'ke Turovce, a region in southern Slovakia, a CSI trainer led a workshop on "Exploring the 5 Rs of the circular economy". In this interactive session, participants were divided into three groups, where each group was given a scenario to address challenges, issues and opportunities in social enterprises. Elena Andreou's group worked on the scenario "Energy overconsumption in a furniture recycling business", where the group presented transformative approaches to address the issue in a circular way. On the same day, the host organisation, developed a Living Lab, where a representative of Narodna Recyklacna Agentura Slovensko, presented how they implement circular economy practices, demonstrating the transformation of waste into new products, services and social employment opportunities.
On the third day, an excursion to Kronospan's facility in Zvolen, Slovakia, took place. Kronospan is one of the largest producers of recycled wood-based panel products. During the visit, they were shown their raw materials and products, their innovative production processes and how they apply circularity in their activities (recycled wood and sawmill residues). After the visit, participants attended additional workshops focused on biomimicry by CSI and "Preparation of Circular Canvas Case Studies" by ECREC.
KyklOIKOdromio would like to express sincere gratitude to the Centre of Social Innovation (CSI) for the invitation and the host organisation Narodna Recyklacna Agentura Slovensko for the excellent organisation. It was a unique learning and networking opportunity.
