Get to Know Our Course

Participatory solid waste management and governance with the inclusion of waste pickers for a sustainable and just society

MODULES

Six steps to transform waste management and citizenship

Currently, UNICATA offers in São Paulo and Brasília the course "Participatory Solid Waste Management and Governance with the Inclusion of Waste Pickers for a Sustainable and Just Society," made up of six modules, each with 56 hours of instruction.

Introduction to the Course
Waste Pickers
Governance
Management
Environment
Research

HOW IT WORKS

A Journey Between Knowledge and Practice

Classes once a week (14 weeks total)
Classes are taught by more than one person, and one of them is a waste picker
We use participatory and accessible teaching techniques for those who cannot read or write
At least one class is held outside the classroom, in the field
Students gather in groups and work on a research project, which will be published in the class's Community Newspaper and presented to the public at the end of the module
We provide a snack at every class
Students receive payment for transportation, and since 2025 they also receive a study scholarship
Students and educators receive a certificate for each completed module, and those who complete all 6 modules will receive the UNICATA diploma, offered by the University of Victoria (UVic)

Foundations of Our Pedagogy

Our model is deeply rooted in Paulo Freire's Popular Education, in the democratization of knowledge, and in the philosophy of Buen Vivir (Good Living). We prioritize the experiences and knowledge that have historically been marginalized, transforming the classroom into a space for peer learning, where the student's reality is the starting point for all knowledge produced.

The Cycle of Knowledge Evolution

Each module is a living organism. We start with a Pilot version, planned by the governing council together with waste pickers and academics. Through continuous monitoring and evaluation by students and educators, we reorganize and improve the content, transforming it into an Improved module for the next classes. It is a continuous process of listening and evolution.

The Student-Educator Journey

At UNICATA, barriers come down: those who learn also teach. The journey includes pedagogical workshops to plan schedules and ends with a great celebration of knowledge, where students present their own research. All of this is supported by a continuous communication strategy, keeping the network connected and informed throughout the entire journey.

Course Modules

Introduction to the Course

All the themes raised during the research and the two workshops held by the waste pickers. Module 1 is a complete introduction to the course.

Waste Pickers

History of the waste picker movement, waste pickers as social subjects, political education, social exclusion, gender issues, social movements, etc.

Governance

Regulatory and legislative aspects of waste management, extended producer responsibility, reverse logistics, and the circular economy.

Management

Administration, human resources, financial management, accounting, recycling technologies, occupational health and safety, and decent working conditions.

Environment

Sustainability, environmental education, solid waste, environmental and climate impacts, incineration, environmental and climate justice.

Research

Research praxis focused on the context of waste pickers (mixed research methodologies), ethics in research, and the development of research projects.

UNICATA

University for and with waste pickers

Email: unicata.catadores@gmail.com