Organizational diagnosis of a university extension project for selective waste collection, composting, and environmental education in public schools

the case of CESCOLA-UFF

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the university extension project of the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) Environmental Education Center at School (CESCOLA-UFF), which promotes environmental education through selective waste collection and composting in public schools in the small and medium-sized towns of the state of Rio de Janeiro, seeking to address the challenge of increasing urban solid waste generation. Thus, this work aims to diagnose and propose internal improvements that leverage resources, strategic actions, and achievable goals to direct the initiative towards meeting its mission and pursuing its vision. The methodology was characterized as an exploratory case study, encompassing three active school units in the municipalities of Porto Real, Paraty, and Volta Redonda (RJ). Data collection occurred through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with the team and partners, the findings of which supported the construction of a SWOT matrix and a 5W2H action plan. The results demonstrate positive impacts, such as the composting of three tons of organic waste (100% of the fraction after the implementation of the composters) and the involvement of over 1,000 people, including students and staff from the schools and educational institutions where the project was implemented. However, the SWOT analysis revealed gaps such as the shortage of human and financial resources in the face of the opportunity to expand to other schools. From the perspective of the Business Ecosystem (BE), the 5W2H plan was prepared, prioritizing the attraction of sustainable sponsorships and the strengthening of local partnerships, ensuring the project's self-sufficiency. It is concluded that the project has transformative potential but requires more focused actions to ensure its feasibility and growth.