Old school maps don’t have to end up in the bin. They can be given a new lease of life. A special upcycling project run as part of the ‘Kirkeler Nähkästchen’ work scheme by the Society for Work and Qualification in the Saarpfalz district (AQuiS) demonstrates how something new and useful can be created from disused teaching materials. With plenty of creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail, old school maps from Kirkel Comprehensive School have been sewn into personalised pencil cases, which have now found their way back to the school’s pupils.
Instead of throwing away the maps that were no longer needed, the participants in the work scheme turned them into durable pencil cases. What makes these special is that each one is unique – with its own colours, map sections and geographical features.
The project impressively demonstrates how sustainability and social inclusion can be combined. By reusing existing materials, valuable resources are conserved whilst at the same time creating new opportunities. “The pencil cases made from old school atlases show that things which are no longer needed do not have to end up straight in the bin. Through upcycling, they can be transformed into something completely new. What’s particularly lovely is that the finished products return to where their story began: back to school. This brings things full circle in a special way,” says District Administrator Frank John, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at AQuiS.
Stephanie Klein, coordinator for the school management team at Kirkel Comprehensive School (left), and Tatiana Burda, AQuiS subject specialist. Photo: Dr Katja Grüneberg-Wehner
Employment schemes offer people the opportunity to develop their skills, bring structure to their daily lives and participate in society through meaningful activities. The ‘Kirkeler Nähkästchen’ employment scheme is funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF-Plus) through the Saarland Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Women and Health, as well as by the Saarpfalz-Kreis Jobcentre. This funding makes it possible to combine the implementation of projects for the common good with personal development and social benefit.
The pencil cases produced are far more than just practical everyday companions. They symbolise a conscious approach to the use of resources, creativity and an appreciation of craftsmanship. The project proves that sometimes all it takes is a good idea, a little skill and a willingness to give things a second chance to turn something supposedly old into something completely new and special.