PLAYtoGROW: A worldwide new approach of spreading permaculture through playful learning

With the generous support of Bloom Network, Solarpunk Now successfully conducted a series of transformative workshops in Jinja, Uganda in partnership with BEU Permaculture. These workshops introduced the innovative Infinity Tools that we have been developed in the last years. With this pilot project we have been successfully introducing these new educational tools and sustainable practices to both educators and local craftsmen in Uganda. With this pilot we have been able to seed a greener, more interactive learning environment for education and permaculture in Buwama and Jinja. See impressions here from the whole Uganda experience with the new concept:

Infinity Tools Production Workshop

One of the core activities was the Infinity Tools Production Workshop, where BEU team members and local artisans learned how to manufacture Infinity Tools—a set of sustainable learning materials designed for hands-on education. These tools include Beenius, a reusable construction set made from bamboo and beeswax, and Infinity StonePaper, an eco-friendly, water-resistant writing material. Participants explored ways to integrate these tools into school curricula, making learning more interactive, durable, and environmentally conscious.

PLAYtoGROW: Bringing Permaculture to the Classroom

Another key highlight was the PLAYtoGROW Workshop, held with teachers from Rays of Grace School. This workshop focused on using Infinity Tools to teach permaculture principles in a dynamic, engaging way. Educators were introduced to interactive and game-based learning methods, enabling them to bring nature-based education into their classrooms. By incorporating hands-on models and collaborative challenges, teachers can now inspire students to explore sustainability through play.

MODELtoREALITY: Scaling Ideas from Small to Large

The final workshop MODELtoREALITY, emphasized the practical application of learned concepts. Participants built small-scale models using Infinity Tools and then translated these designs into full-scale structures using bamboo and local materials. This approach bridges creativity with real-world problem-solving, empowering communities to implement sustainable projects beyond the classroom and create new ways for utilizing and marketing bamboo.

A Lasting Impact

These workshops mark a significant step in equipping both educators and local artisans with the tools and knowledge to create resilient, regenerative learning environments. Thanks to the support of the Bloom network, this initiative has not only fostered skill development but also strengthened the foundation for a more sustainable and interactive approach to education in Uganda.