The initiative was carried out by Bojan Andonov and Angela Stoilovski, with mentor support, in cooperation with Црвен крст Виница, Едукативен центар „Наша приказна“, and Хамачи ДООЕЛ.

What was implemented?

Activities included educational and practical workshops in both municipalities:

A practical and creative eco-workshop in Vinica with 10 participants (aged 10–19), identifying 10+ local environmental issues and proposing concrete solutions;

A paper recycling workshop in Shtip with 18 participants (aged 14–28), where young people learned how to turn waste paper into a reusable resource;

Formation of an informal student group in Vinica conducting weekly waste sorting and recycling.

During the activities in Shtip, approximately 10 kg of waste paper were recycled and more than 50 sheets of handmade recycled paper were produced.

Results and impact

- 28 children and young people directly engaged;

- 10+ local environmental challenges identified with proposed solutions;

- Around 10 kg of paper recycled and 50+ new recycled sheets created;

- At least 15 young people expressed interest in further independent eco-activities.

Additionally, Црвен крст Виница resubmitted a proposal to the Municipality of Vinica to establish a tree-lined pedestrian path on the Vinica – v. Gradec route (6 km), along with initiatives to address illegal dumping sites.

Challenges and lessons learned

The initiative faced challenges such as a short promotion period and additional logistical preparations. However, it demonstrated that:

Timely communication and detailed planning are essential;

Practical and interactive activities have the strongest impact;

Direct youth involvement increases motivation and responsibility.

This initiative confirms that when young people are given knowledge, space to act, and practical opportunities for change, they become drivers of a more sustainable and cleaner community. 🌱

The activity is part of the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection”, funded by 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.

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