On June 11-12, 2025, a large-scale celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Student Youth took place in Kyiv – a center of advanced experience in the field of extracurricular ecological and biological education in Ukraine. This event became significant for educators, scientists, and the entire community united by common values: love for nature, care for the environment, and the desire to pass these values on to future generations.
During the festive days, the territory of the NENC transformed into a space of a living exhibition of achievements: modern educational practices, national-patriotic education, plant collections, thematic photo zones, and printed publications – everything breathed the spirit of traditions, innovations, and inspiration.
The central place in the celebration program was dedicated to the exchange of experiences among extracurricular institutions from all regions. Guests not only got acquainted with educational projects but also established new partnerships. The Donetsk Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center vividly presented its experience: its video materials demonstrated that modern ecological education is a space of creativity, technology, and meaningful approaches.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the NENC, diplomas for support and significant contributions to the development of extracurricular ecological and naturalistic education were awarded to the Donetsk Regional State Administration and the Department of Education and Science of the Donetsk Regional State Administration.
Gratitude from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for initiative, professionalism, and significant contributions to the development of the educational sphere was awarded to:
- Oleksandr Parashchenko, director of the Donetsk Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center;
- Olesya Hirka, head of the organizational and mass work department of the DOENC.
Special awards from the NENC were given to:
- The Order of Honor named after L.P. Manorik – Oleksandr Parashchenko, director of the DOENC, for many years of work and development of the stations for young naturalists;
- The Order of Honor named after F.M. Treskin – Anna Danilychenko, head of the circles at the DOENC, for organizing circle work;
- The "NENC Benchmark" award – Serhiy Hnybida, methodologist of the DOENC, for professional achievements and significant contributions to the development of extracurricular education.
This celebration became a symbol of unity, gratitude, and inspiration. Ahead are new challenges, new ideas, and new generations of environmentally conscious citizens who will care for nature and change the world around them.