As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about chemical safety among youth, CENER 21 organized the educational workshop „Next Exit: Chemical Safety – Escape Game“ on 25 May 2026, bringing together 18 students from JU Srednja škola za okoliš i drvni dizajn (Secondary School for Environment and Wood Design).
The workshop was conducted as part of the project „Global Development, Rewiew and Updating of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)“ (GEF ID 10785). Through this project, activities are being implemented to strengthen the application of international agreements related to chemical and waste management, while also improving knowledge and awareness among different target groups about the importance of protecting both human health and the environment.
„Next Exit: Chemical Safety – Escape Game“ is an innovative educational tool that uses the concept of an escape room to introduce participants to chemical safety topics in an engaging, dynamic and interactive way. During the 60-minute activity, students worked in teams to solve a series of tasks, logical challenges and puzzles related to hazardous chemicals, waste management and international conventions governing these issues.
Through the game, participants gained valuable insights into Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), their presence in everyday life, the risks they pose to human health and the environment and the global efforts aimed at controlling and eliminating them. In addition to the educational content, the workshop encouraged teamwork, communication, critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Students demonstrated a high level of interest and engagement, actively participating in all stages of the game and showing enthusiasm for exploring complex environmental issues through innovative learning methods.
By applying a learning-through-play approach, the workshop enabled participants to better understand the challenges associated with chemical safety while recognizing the importance of responsible environmental behaviour and informed decision-making. Such activities contribute to the development of environmental awareness among young people and empower them to become active contributors to environmental protection and sustainable development.
CENER 21 remains committed to implementing educational activities in schools across Bosnia and Herzegovina with the goal of strengthening young people’s knowledge of the safe management of chemicals and waste and promoting sustainable practices that protect both human health and the environment.