The primary school in Trstené pri Hornáde is trying to implement a number of activities, thanks to which the school's philosophy is changing to a focus on environmental education. Teaching outdoors, in the fresh air, is therefore a priority. The outdoor "classroom" of the school is the garden and its improvement has been transformed into a project with the characteristic name In the Shadow of Trees, which we supported with a grant from the Together for the Region program. The headmaster of the primary school, Matúš Timuľak (in the photo in the middle), talks about the individual activities:

" We are successful in connecting teaching with environmental education and a relationship with nature also thanks to the Green School program, which we have been a part of for 12 years.  We have been considering the idea of ​​using the school grounds as an outdoor classroom for a long time, because as is often the case, the ravages of time have taken their toll on our original makeshift benches. Thanks to a grant from U. S. Steel Košice, we purchased outdoor garden benches in May. During the lessons of Technical education, together with the students and volunteers - employees of U. S. Steel Košice, we started assembling them. The last sunny days of the school year were spent and relaxed on the school grounds on new, nice benches."

The Green School program is the largest international certification and educational Eco-program for schools. It helps schools find a path of change that will lead to a healthier, "greener" and more active school and society. Other activities of the project, carried out literally in the shade of trees, were also carried out in this spirit:

"We managed to organize peer education for our students on the topic of Green Roof. We have created a green roof on our Little Free Library and we plan to repeat the education on the importance of green roofs in the spring. At the same time, we installed a rainwater collector. We water the plants in our school and in the school garden with the captured water. In October, as part of the Month of Respect for the Elderly, we organized a meeting with grandparents. The grandparents praised the seating very much, we used it for the program, competitions and refreshments. The desks are used by pupils and teachers not only during breaks, but also during class activities. At the moment, the benches are already winterized and with the first warm rays of the sun, they will start to be fully used again."

Many of our colleagues live in Trstené pri Hornáde, who are involved in events in the village as volunteers, regardless of which organization covers the activities. Our colleagues: Andrea, Marián a Rastislav Liptákoví, Martin Juhász a Ladislav Gondoľ also helped with the installation of the garden seating.

In conclusion, Matúš Timuľak added: "We perceive the Together for the Region grant program as a great support for the regional community in the implementation of social life. It helps to develop the entire region in various areas. Life in the region is more beautiful, happier and healthier."