The initiative was implemented in the Municipality of Shuto Orizari through educational and practical activities that encouraged young people to actively contribute to creating a cleaner and more sustainable community.

The first activity was organized at the state secondary school “Shaip Jusuf” in Shuto Orizari. In cooperation with the school’s professional team, a needs-mapping process was conducted regarding waste management in the school. The main priority identified was improving the opportunities for waste separation and recycling.

With the support of the company “Pakomak”, 20 recycling and waste separation bins were installed in the school. At the same time, students received educational sessions about the importance of recycling, different types of waste, and the proper way to separate materials. After the educational session, students immediately began actively using the newly installed bins, demonstrating strong interest and readiness to apply what they had learned.

The activities also continued at the Association “Protection of Children’s Rights” – Skopje, located in Shuto Orizari. During the month of March, three-day eco-creative and educational workshops for children were organized, focusing on raising awareness about environmental protection through interactive and creative activities.

What was implemented?

As part of the workshops, children had the opportunity to learn about the factors that threaten planet Earth and how each of us can contribute to its protection. Through discussions, creative tasks, and educational games, they became familiar with the basic principles of responsible environmental behavior.

Special emphasis was placed on creative expression as a way to communicate messages about protecting nature. The children created drawings, messages, and various creative works through which they expressed their concern for the environment and their desire for a cleaner and greener future.

As part of the practical activity, the children planted colorful flowers in the yard of the association, creating a small eco-corner that will remain a symbol and reminder of the importance of caring for the environment.

Results and impact

Through this initiative:

- 20 recycling and waste separation bins were installed at the “Shaip Jusuf” secondary school;

- students gained practical knowledge about proper waste separation and recycling;

- dozens of children participated in eco-creative and educational workshops focused on environmental protection;

- a small eco-corner with planted flowers was created in the association’s yard;

- awareness among young people about the importance of individual and collective responsibility for protecting nature increased.

Challenges and lessons learned

The implementation of the initiative showed that young people are especially motivated when environmental topics are presented in an interactive and creative way. The combination of education and practical activities enabled participants not only to gain knowledge but also to immediately apply it in their daily lives.

It was also confirmed that cooperation between schools, civil society organizations, and the private sector can significantly contribute to creating sustainable solutions for local environmental challenges.

This initiative once again demonstrates that when young people are given space, knowledge, and support, they can become important drivers of positive change in their communities. 🌱

The activity is part of the project “ZZZ – Joint Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection”, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia through the Civica Mobilitas program, and implemented by the Center for Youth Activism KRIK, Center for Social Initiatives Nadez, and the Association of Social Workers of Macedonia – ZSRM.

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