This summer, young people from Volnovakha, Olhinka, and Vuhledar communities implemented an environmental project in Dnipro called "GreenSkills Development in Youth," an initiative that brought together not only young IDPs but also residents of local communities.
The projeсt is centered on common values: respect for nature, active civic participation, and teamwork.
"Developing GreenSkills in Youth" is an environmental and educational project that won the UNICEF DIY Community mini-grant competition. Its main goal is to develop practical environmental skills (Green Skills) in young people that will help them live responsibly and act in the interests of environmental protection.
Announcement and launch of the project.
To engage young people and introduce them to the Green Skills concept, two key online events were held:
- Announcement of the kick-off online meeting "Green Skills: How Youth Change the World".
During the meeting, the participants learned about the project's objectives, the importance of environmental awareness, and the role of young people in global change. They discussed how even small local initiatives can have a big impact.
- Announcement of the online training My Green Skills: From Theory to Practice.
The training helped young people understand what concrete actions everyone can take every day to reduce their negative impact on the environment: from sorting garbage to conscious consumption and choosing environmentally friendly transportation.
The project went beyond online, as Green Skills are best learned through action. Two practical events were organized:
- "Gathering the necessary equipment: preparing for an ecological hike".
Participants learned how to choose the right equipment to make it comfortable, lightweight and safe for nature. They considered eco-friendly alternatives to the usual things, learned how to pack a backpack and even practiced setting up tents.
- Hiking trip "Green Hike: Nature as a Teacher".
The youth went on a trip through picturesque forests and meadows, learning to identify plants, watch birds, understand natural ecosystems and follow the Leave No Trace principle. The hike became a great practice of ecological tourism.
During the implementation of the initiative:
- More than 50 young people joined online meetings and trainings;
- 20 participants received practical training and took part in a hike;
- a local community of active youth ready to implement environmental initiatives in their schools and communities was formed.
The project proved that young people are ready to learn, act and inspire others. And most importantly, Green Skills have become not just new knowledge, but a way of life for the participants.
The UNICEF program in Donetsk Oblast is implemented by Zahidy NGO in partnership with the NGO "Country of Development" with the support of Donetsk Oblast State Administration.
Based on the materials of the Olhyne settlement military administration