The initiative was implemented by Zhivorad Arsiq and Drilon Saliu, with the support of mentor Simona Petrovska Zozinska, in cooperation with Primary School “Asdreni” from Prshovcë and the Civic Alliance for Development from Tetovo. The activities took place on 2 and 3 December 2025, with the participation of 26 participants, including young people, youth workers, students, and teachers aged 13 to 29.

What was implemented?

The initiative took place over two days and included activities focused on improving two important public spaces within the local community.

The first day was dedicated to an environmental clean-up action at the entrance of Shar Mountain National Park in the village of Gllogjë. Participants actively collected scattered waste, sorted it, and transported it to appropriate disposal points. In addition, new waste bags were placed in existing bins, helping ensure that the area remains clean even after the activity.

The second day focused on the renovation and improvement of the playground at the Primary School “Asdreni” in Prshovcë. Participants cleaned the area, repainted the sports field, and restored the fence surrounding the playground, giving the space a refreshed, functional, and more visually appealing look for students and young people in the community.

Results and impact

The initiative achieved several concrete and visible results:

✅ Improved cleanliness and appearance at the entrance of Shar Mountain National Park in Gllogjë through the collection and proper disposal of waste.

✅ Renovated and improved school playground at Primary School “Asdreni”, creating a better and more attractive space for students and young people.

✅ Encouraged youth activism and collective action, through the active participation of young people, students, teachers, and community volunteers.

Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative also contributed to raising awareness among young people about environmental protection and responsibility toward public spaces, setting a positive example of community engagement.

Challenges and lessons learned

During the implementation of the initiative, several challenges emerged. One of them was coordinating participants during the waste collection and sorting process, which required additional organization and task distribution. Another challenge was the weather, as rain on the second day made the restoration and painting of the playground more difficult.

Despite these challenges, they were successfully overcome thanks to strong teamwork and cooperation with local partners. The process demonstrated that careful planning, timely communication, and collaboration with local institutions and organizations are key to successfully implementing initiatives like this.

This initiative confirms that when young people unite around a shared goal, they can create visible and lasting positive change in their communities, contributing to a cleaner environment and a more beautiful space for everyone. 🌱💚

The initiative was implemented within the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection”, funded by the Government of Switzerland 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.