Mind REset at its best, KNEWS

Press Release

28 MARCH 2025 - 10:46

The participation of Cypriot teams in the European competition of the educational environmental programme mind REset, which took place in Vienna this year, was completed with an impressive double distinction, proving that the next generation can - and should - play a leading role in efforts towards a more sustainable future.

Lidl Cyprus’ Mind REset strategic initiative carried out in collaboration with Junior Achievement Cyprus, the institutional support of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Agri-Environment, continues to invest substantially in environmental education and youth empowerment for the 4th year. Through targeted experiential workshops and activities, students learn to think creatively and provide solutions to real environmental problems.

This year's Vienna event brought together 39 teams from 10 European countries, in an intense competition and with high quality entries. The presentations were evaluated by 7 panels of judges for the pavilions and 4 independent judges for the on-stage presentations, based on criteria relating to innovation, marketing and sustainability of ideas. A total of 7 awards were presented, and Cyprus won two of them.

Specifically, the Best Pitch Award was awarded to the Rocking Paints team from the Agia Varvara Primary School, which managed to impress the audience and the jury with an idea that combined innovation, environmental awareness and smart design. The team created natural pigments from rocks, without a trace of plastic, stored in a reusable glass container and accompanied by an ecological ruin bag. The team consisted of students Apostolos Stylianou, Kyprianos Kyprianou, Sotiris Patsalos, Marios Michael and Christos Alexopoulos, under the guidance of teachers Dimitris Lazarou and Savvula Pachitis.

In addition, the Sustainability Award was given to the NatureSkin Bags team from the Apostolos Andreas High School of Emba, for their ecological and highly original idea to make handmade bags from agar - a material derived from red seaweed - and organic waste.

The team's bags impressed for their durability, functionality and environmental friendliness.The team consisted of students Nicolas Karagiannis, Christodoula Vorka and Eleni Agathokleous, under the guidance of teachers Christos Aristideou and Noula Theofilaktou.

The two Cypriot teams proved that innovation has no age and that environmental awareness can be effectively integrated into the educational process when there’s a strategy, method and inspiration.

Lidl Cyprus, as a strategic partner of the project, continues to substantially empower the young generation with opportunities for learning and development. The presence of the Cypriot teams in Vienna confirms that the mind REset programme has established itself as a model in environmental and business education for young people in Cyprus.

Mind REset is at its best - and the future looks greener and more promising than ever.