During the period of March–April, we implemented an online training titled “Between Pollution and the Mental Health of Young People,” together with 14 young participants from Црвен крст на Република Македонија – the Municipal Organization of Gostivar and the Municipal Organization of Kichevo.
Learning, Discussion, and New Perspectives
Through interactive sessions, discussions, and collaborative exploration, participants had the opportunity to become familiar with concepts such as:
- eco-anxiety,
- eco-grief,
- green social work,
- as well as the role of young people in building sustainable communities.
We talked about personal feelings related to pollution, the sense of helplessness it can create, but also about the potential of youth activism. The space was safe, supportive, and inspiring — a place where care for the environment was connected with care for oneself and for the community.
From Knowledge to Creative Action
The most valuable part of the process was transforming knowledge into creative action. Rather than remaining at a theoretical level, participants translated their perspectives into concrete messages.
Through the creation of posters and video content, they delivered strong and authentic messages to their peers — calling for greater awareness, care, and responsibility. Their creative expressions opened the topic in a way that is understandable, emotional, and relevant to young people.
The Beginning of Broader Dissemination
These materials are not just the final outcome of a training — they represent the beginning of a broader dissemination effort on green social work and its importance in contemporary society.
At a time when environmental challenges are increasingly shaping everyday life, it is essential to recognize their psychosocial dimension. Mental health and the environment are not separate issues — they are deeply interconnected.
A big thank you to all participants for their energy, sincerity, and creativity. They demonstrated that when young people are given space, knowledge, and support — they can create meaningful change.
This activity is part of the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection,” funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia through the Civica Mobilitas programme, and implemented by Центар за младински активизам КРИК, Center for Social Initiatives “Nadez”, and Здружение на социјални работници на Македонија – ЗСРМ.