For their participation in the statewide environmental campaign "Saarland picobello" and their special commitment, the FGTS Elementary School Bexbach was honored. Mayor Christian Prech and EVS Managing Director Holger Schmitt presented the award on June 16, 2026, in the schoolyard. The institution is operated by the Society for Education and Training Saarpfalz District (GAW).
„Saarland picobello“ is the annual area cleaning campaign of the Saar Waste Management Association (EVS): schools, daycare centers, clubs, and citizens throughout Saarland come together to collect trash and litter in their communities, along roadsides, and in nature. The campaign combines practical environmental protection with raising awareness of the importance of clean public spaces for the community.
During the collection campaign, the elementary school students of the FGTS were very committed – and a child from the community school also joined the elementary school children and actively helped. As a recognition for their commitment, the institution received a bench and, together with the entire school community, turned it into something special: a play bench. The principle is as simple as it is effective: anyone who sits on the bench signals that they are looking for a playmate. Other children see this and can join in. Thus, a piece of furniture becomes a place of encounter that brings children together and leaves no one alone.
"We are very pleased with this award. Our children enthusiastically pitched in and experienced that environmental protection starts right on their doorstep," says Anastasia Nikiforova, head of the FGTS Elementary School Bexbach. "That the bench has become a participation bench makes us especially proud. It stands for exactly what is important to us: responsibility for the environment and a mindful togetherness where no child is left alone."
As a sponsor, GAW supports the educational and care work at the FGTS Primary School Bexbach and is pleased with the school community about the award. The FGTS Primary School Bexbach demonstrates with the participate bank how environmental commitment and social togetherness can be combined – and that a litter collection campaign can become a lasting symbol of cohesion at the school.
------
Caption: „Picobello“ with Frog: from left Konstantin Glück, Fabienne Becker, Kirstin Brunk-Schäfer, Holger Schmitt, Anastasia Nikiforova, Christian Prech
------
