General Hospital of Tailândia develops sustainability and health actions with municipal school students
One of the most recent highlights of this work was the reception, in the hospital auditorium, of the winning students from the school's science fair, who presented their award-winning ideas to the HGT managers.
The General Hospital of Tailândia (HGT) and the Municipal Elementary School Maria do Socorro Ricarte Lopes, located in the city center, are jointly developing the "Little Guardians" project, which aims to promote student participation in environmental activities inside and outside the hospital, connecting science, education, and practices that contribute to the quality of life in the community.
One of the most recent highlights of this work was the reception, in the hospital auditorium, of the winning students from the school's science fair, who presented their award-winning ideas to the HGT managers. The first team, made up of 6th-grade students, addressed the impacts of microplastics on health and various sectors of daily life, bringing proposals to reduce consumption and improper disposal of the material. Meanwhile, the 9th-grade students developed a study on the correct disposal of medications, identifying existing collection points in the city and emphasizing the importance of respecting the shelf life of pharmaceuticals.
These presentations revealed how school science can directly engage with the challenges faced by health institutions. "The 'Little Guardians' project brings education closer to the daily life of the hospital, allowing students to present concrete proposals for environmental challenges that directly impact public health. This initiative also engages with themes that will be on the agenda at COP 30, showing that even at a local level we can contribute to the global sustainability agenda," highlighted Natanael Souza, president of the HGT Sustainability Committee.
In addition to the exchange of academic experiences, the partnership also has a practical arm. A group of students is participating in painting the spaces that make up the hospital's new garden, currently undergoing revitalization. This activity strengthens the integration between school and hospital, as it involves students in direct actions to transform the environment. The garden, when completed, will serve as therapeutic support for hospitalized patients, also functioning as a space for learning and socializing.
"This partnership expands our students' learning space because they can see that what they research in the classroom can make sense outside of school. When students present their projects at the hospital or participate in activities like the revitalization of the garden, they realize that knowledge can generate real changes in the community they are part of," emphasized the school principal, Marcilene Veloso.
For the executive director of HGT, Eduardo Pereira, the integration enhances the social role of the hospital and values student engagement. "The garden is more than a therapeutic resource. It represents the integration of health, education, and sustainability, allowing patients to have a more welcoming recovery environment and enabling students to actively participate in this process," he stated.
Service:
The General Hospital of Tailândia is a health unit of the government of Pará, managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The hospital is located at Avenida Florianópolis, s/n, in the Novo neighborhood. For more information, contact by phone: (91) 99202-5964.
