Environmental education and solid waste management: an extension experience in a public school in the municipality of Santarém, Pará, Amazônia, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this article was to demonstrate the results of a university extension with the theme Basic Sanitation and Solid Waste. Activity carried out at the Federal University of Western Pará, involving students from Escola Nossa Senhora de Aparecida, in Santarém/PA. An evaluation form was applied to measure participant satisfaction. Most students already had some knowledge about sustainable development, but tended to associate it with environmental issues, without considering its social and economic dimensions. Regarding solid waste, there was a lack of knowledge among students about the definition and a significant number did not know the differences between waste, garbage and rejects. Group dynamics proved to be effective in facilitating learning. The impact of the action was visible in the high level of engagement of students, who expressed interest in deepening their knowledge. Furthermore, participants considered the topic highly relevant. The extension action had a positive impact on student learning, contributing to awareness about sustainable waste management and stimulating critical reflection on environmental challenges. By promoting environmental education, university extension proved to be an important tool for encouraging sustainable practices among young people and supporting local development and citizenship training.