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Sustainability
aSantE Cycle – Turning Waste into Growth
2024–Present
Kumasi, Ghana
Programs Coordinator
Transforming wood waste into mushroom substrates, creating opportunities for circular learning and green entrepreneurship.
Project Overview
The aSantE Cycle project represents a groundbreaking approach to circular economy education in Ghana. By transforming wood waste into mushroom substrates, we've created a comprehensive learning ecosystem that teaches students about sustainability while generating real economic value. The project integrates climate education directly into school curricula, making environmental consciousness a natural part of students' daily learning experience.
Project Process
- •Conducted ethnographic interviews with sawmill workers and youth
- •Mapped material flow and environmental impacts
- •Prototyped mushroom substrate blends using local waste
- •Designed branding and educational kits (growth journal, manual, QR card)
Project Reflection
- •I learned that innovation is most sustainable when communities can own the solution — design must be accessible, teachable, and iterative
Project Gallery
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Challenges
- Initial resistance from traditional educational institutions
- Securing consistent wood waste supply chains
- Training teachers in new circular economy concepts
- Balancing educational goals with commercial viability
Solutions
- Developed comprehensive teacher training programs
- Established partnerships with local carpentry workshops
- Created simplified curriculum materials for easy adoption
- Implemented revenue-sharing model to ensure sustainability
Key Outcomes
Model adopted by 5 additional schools in the region
Featured in national sustainability education conference
Secured follow-up funding for expansion phase
Students reporting increased environmental awareness
Impact & Results
- Trained 20+ students in circular economy and mushroom farming
- Designed climate education curriculum embedded in school activities
- Managed $21,000 project budget with 100% deliverables achieved
- Built partnerships with schools, local governments, and recycling firms
- Reduced wood waste by 2 tons monthly through substrate conversion
- Generated $3,000+ in revenue for participating schools
- Created 15 direct employment opportunities for youth
- Established 3 permanent mushroom farming sites
Technologies & Approaches
Circular EconomyYouth EmpowermentSustainable Food Systems
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