Debrecen4U
November 9, 2026
Nagyerdei Kindergarten Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Receives Sustainable Debrecen Award
Since 2019, the City of Debrecen has presented the Sustainable Debrecen Award to businesses, institutions and working communities whose activities set an example for others in the pursuit of a sustainable city. The Nagyerdei Kindergarten was the first of this year’s nine award recipients to receive the honour, presented by Mayor László Papp at the kindergarten’s main premises on 6 November 2026, during a ceremony marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.
Achieving success in environmental protection and sustainability requires every sector of society to work together towards common goals. The Sustainable Debrecen Award recognises organisations whose activities provide an example to follow on the path towards creating a liveable city. Of the 43 recipients recognised so far, four have also received the Grand Prize.
Environmentally conscious education, respect for nature and animals, and the promotion of a sustainable lifestyle are integral to the kindergarten’s educational work, its “Kerek Erdő” Educational Programme and its day-to-day operations. The institution has previously received the Green Kindergarten, Bird-Friendly Kindergarten and Animal-Friendly Kindergarten titles, followed by the Permanent Animal-Friendly Kindergarten title, reflecting its professional commitment to these values.
The kindergarten grounds feature numerous bird nesting boxes, feeders and drinking stations, as well as shelters for hedgehogs and bats. The institution’s commitment to animal welfare is also evident in its symbolic adoption of ring-tailed lemurs at Zoo Debrecen and regular awareness-raising among children and their families about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal adoption.
As part of its gardening activities, the kindergarten collects rainwater and uses it in an irrigation system powered by a pump. Water from a drilled well is also used for irrigation, while suitable leftover drinking water from mealtimes is put to use watering plants. Two compost bins are operated on the premises to recycle green waste. Children are introduced to selective waste collection from an early age, with each group collecting paper separately and and facilities for selective waste collection available throughout the institution.
The Nagyerdei Kindergarten places particular emphasis on the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables. Its own kitchen garden and raised beds also contribute to its sustainability efforts: with the children’s help, seasonal fruit and vegetables are grown and then shared by everyone after harvesting.
The institution also promotes sustainable transport. Separate bicycle parking is provided for staff and children, and the kindergarten has two bicycles available for employees. Considerable emphasis is also placed on teaching children about responsible and safe road use. As part of these efforts, the kindergarten’s road safety training track underwent a complete renovation this year, continuing to provide children with an opportunity to learn traffic rules through practical, play-based activities.
The institution considers it important to give children opportunities for free movement in natural surroundings, maintain their natural enthusiasm for physical activity, foster a love of exercise and meet their need for movement. Energy awareness is also an integral part of everyday kindergarten life.
Sustainability is regularly reflected in the kindergarten’s community events and activities such as the Harvest Festival, St Martin’s Day, Sports Day, Health Day and Spring Green Days, as well as various traditional folk games and nature-based activities where children encounter nature and learn about healthy living, traditions and environmental protection in an enjoyable, hands-on way.
The institution also takes part in the “Klímanócskák” programme, which introduces children to climate change, environmental responsibility and sustainability in ways suited to their age. The kindergarten also strives to apply sustainable principles in its own operations. Environmentally friendly solutions are used for hygiene and cleaning tasks, including vinegar-based cleaning products, hygiene paper products made from recycled materials and refillable dispensers. Children’s environmental awareness is also reinforced in everyday life through practices such as using bamboo toothbrushes.
The kindergarten continually works to preserve and expand its green spaces. Every year, new grass is planted and additional trees are added, including fruit trees and plane trees. The grounds are rich in trees, which provide shade, natural habitats and a pleasant environment for the children. For the institution, sustainability is not about occasional special programmes, but rather an everyday approach and a shared value, as it aims to give children experiences and habits that lay the foundations for a healthy, sustainable lifestyle based on respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for animals and the environment around them.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
