As part of the “I Can, You Can, We Can” initiative, three educational and participatory workshops were held in the Municipality of Štip, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of a healthy environment and the connection between environmental issues, social well-being, and inclusion.

The initiative was implemented by Anka Arsova and Zlatka Ivanova Ilieva, under the mentorship of Vanja Džambazova Nikolovska, with the involvement of local institutions, professionals, teachers, educators, and parents.

👥 A total of 97 participants took part in the three workshops, including:

• preschool and school-aged children;

• students and teachers;

• persons with disabilities;

• parents and institutional staff.

The workshops were implemented in cooperation with the Day Centre for Autism, the “Iskra” Day Centre for Children with Intellectual or Physical Disabilities, “Vančo Prke” Primary School, “Dimitar Mirasčiev” Secondary School, “Vera Ciriviri Trena” kindergarten, and the “Poraka” Association – Day Centre for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

🌿 Through educational, participatory, and field activities, participants discussed the impact of pollution on health, social exclusion, and quality of life, while also creating practical materials from recycled materials.

A particularly important part of the initiative was the inclusion of vulnerable groups of citizens, creating space for their active participation, exchange of experiences, and development of a responsible attitude towards the environment.

🌳 Additionally, on the occasion of World Ecology Day, students and teachers from “Vančo Prke” Primary School planted trees along the bed of the Otiña River.

✨ The initiative demonstrated that by connecting social work, institutions, education, and citizens, we can build a stronger community and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

I can. You can. We can! 💚🌍

The initiative is part of the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection”, supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia / Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas, in partnership with CMA KRIK, Center for Social Initiatives “Nadez”, and the Association of Social Workers of Macedonia (ZSRM).