From November 18 to 22, 2024, the “Job Shadowing for VET Teachers” program took place in Extremadura, Spain, within the framework of the European Erasmus+ Seed4Africa project. This initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to improve the professional profile of African Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers and trainers in the fields of sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The event brought together trainers from different African countries with organisations of interest in Spain to exchange experiences, knowledge, and good practices in circular economy, sustainable waste and water management in the field of agriculture.
Exchange of Experiences and Knowledge
During the week, participants visited various leading sustainability entities and companies in the provinces of Badajoz, Cáceres, and Mérida. The visits allowed a complete immersion in the day-to-day operations of the organisations, offering a practical and real perspective on how environmental challenges are addressed in Spain.
Among the organisations visited were:
- Innogestiona Ambiental: An environmental engineering company specialising in the sustainable implementation of projects, which hosted the opening and closing sessions, as well as a visit to their offices, including a presentation of innovative projects in the field of circular economy and water efficiency in agriculture.
- Department of Applied Physics at the University of Extremadura: Focused on energy recovery from waste through thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis.
- Metanogenia: A company dedicated to the biotechnological optimisation of anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas and biomethane.
- INTROMAC: technological centre specialised in the recovery of agricultural wastes for the development of new materials for construction.
- The Iberian Energy Storage Research Center (CIIAE): reference centre for new energy storage technologies, where various projects for the recovery of wastes for the development of energy storage technologies were discussed.
- IPROCOR and the “La Rinconada” farm: Examples of using cork and wood waste for new materials and smart, sustainable farm management systems, respectively.
- PROMEDIO and EDAR La Albuera: Key entities in integrated waste management and wastewater treatment systems.
Conclusions and Future Projects
The program concluded with a session to exchange experiences and review the individual projects of the participants, which ranged from giving a “second life for plastic and sawdust” to water and waste management in their home communities.
These types of Erasmus+ initiatives are essential for promoting international cooperation and applying innovative solutions to global challenges, such as the ecological transition in Africa, through the professional development of educators. The Seed4Africa project is a clear example of how collaboration and the exchange of knowledge can drive sustainable development locally and internationally.