This was precisely the focus of the initiative “Recognize the Problem, Create a Solution and Take Initiative for a Cleaner Local Environment”, which, through an interactive online training, encouraged young people to identify local environmental challenges, develop innovative solutions and actively contribute to more sustainable communities.

The initiative was implemented in the Polog Region, where 24 high school students aged 15 to 18 from Tetovo and Gostivar, as well as representatives of the Union of High School Students, participated in an interactive online workshop dedicated to youth activism, environmental protection and the development of local green solutions.

🌿 Working in five teams, the young people identified the most significant environmental challenges in the Polog Region – illegal dumping, river pollution, industrial pollution, lack of green spaces and inadequate waste management. They then developed concrete ideas that contribute to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable local environment.

💡 As a result of the initiative, five green youth solutions were developed and evaluated by a multidisciplinary committee consisting of a social worker and an environmental lawyer. The winning idea proposed an innovative approach through “Secret Green Missions,” seed bombs, a youth eco-podcast, the educational game “Save the City,” green benches made from recycled materials, a “Wall of Green Ideas” in schools, and living murals that connect art with nature.

🤝 The initiative is an example of how green youth work creates space for young people to learn, collaborate and become active drivers of change in their communities. At the same time, through participation, dialogue and joint problem-solving around local challenges, their competencies, sense of belonging and civic responsibility are strengthened.

💚 At the same time, the initiative promotes the principles of green social work, which connects people’s well-being with the well-being of the environment. It shows that environmental challenges are also social challenges, and that when young people receive support and opportunities to participate, they can become key actors in creating more resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities.

🌍 This initiative confirmed that green change begins with knowledge, cooperation and youth initiative – and these are precisely the foundations of green youth work and green social work.

💚 When young people create green solutions, both people and nature benefit.

🌍 The initiative is part of the project “ЗЗЗ – Заеднички за зелено застапување за заштита на животната средина” (“Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection”), supported by the Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas, in partnership with CMA KRIK, Center for Social Initiatives “Nadez” and the Association of Social Workers of Macedonia.