Embedding circularity in education
The CIRCO Hub in Thailand is a joint initiative by NXPO and the UN Global Compact Network Thailand. During its first 18 months, the Hub focused on setting up 10 Tracks for businesses and building a strong network between public and private partners. The goal? To develop policies that boost the circular economy and create ecosystems tailored to Thailand’s unique context.
With this summer’s new Teacher Training Class, 15 education professionals gained solid knowledge about circularity and the CIRCO methodology. Now they’re equipped to pass on their insights to students, sparking a snowball effect. After all, today’s students are the future and can play a key role in realizing Thailand’s circular ambitions.
Who organizes a Teacher Training Class?
The training day is usually arranged by the local Hub or a group of enthusiastic lecturers from a university or higher education institute who want to get their colleagues excited about circularity. There’s always an experienced trainer from the Netherlands involved – in this case, Bas Roelofs. Sometimes the trainer joins digitally, sometimes in person.
Trainer Bas Roelofs about the day: “It’s always inspiring to see how quickly participants embrace both the urgency and the opportunities of circular design. That enthusiasm is contagious.”
What does the program look like?
During the Teacher Training Class, participants get introduced to the CIRCO methodology and learn how to effectively teach circularity to students.
The training includes interactive sessions like practicing with hands-on tools, analyzing product chains, and spotting circular opportunities. Participants immediately apply these skills in teams, working on a real-life case and wrapping up the day with pitches on their circular design ideas.
Nattapong Tuntiwiwattanapun, participant: “I think this CIRCO Teacher Training Class is a great initiative with potential to get more people, especially the younger generation, excited and aware of circularity.”
Why should your Hub organize one too?
A Teacher Training Class is the perfect way to quickly inform a large group of lecturers, professors, and educators from various programs about the importance and opportunities of the circular economy – and to inspire them to pass this on to their students. By doing this, you:
- connect different education programs instead of just boosting visibility;
- create ownership among educational institutions;
- and build a community of circular ambassadors in your region.
Interested in organizing a Teacher Training Class?
Do you have any questions about setting up a Teacher Training Class or are you interested in organizing one yourself? Feel free to get in touch at lilian@circonl.nl.