Montenegro (1)

Serbian Local Day of Action: Replace Old Paper for Flowers or Trees

The Serbian Local Day of Action (LDA), organized by Inženjeri zaštite životne sredine, took place on 20th and 21st September 2024, at the Vojvodina Sports and Business Center in Novi Sad. This initiative encouraged young people and the general public to take direct action in environmental preservation by exchanging old paper for plants.

Promoting Recycling and Tree Planting

Participants contributed to sustainability by bringing in old paper in exchange for plants:

  • 10 kg of paper = 1 flower plant
  • 60 kg of paper = 1 tree plant

Through this simple yet impactful action, the event emphasized how small changes in daily habits can significantly contribute to protecting the environment.

Raising Awareness on Recycling and Climate Action

Beyond paper collection, the event featured an informational stand where attendees learned about:

  • The recycling process and its environmental benefits
  • Ways to reduce personal environmental impact
  • How collective action can help mitigate climate change

By recycling paper instead of producing new materials, up to 74% energy savings can be achieved, harmful gas emissions can be reduced by 70%, and thousands of liters of water can be conserved. Additionally, recycling just one ton of newspapers can save 17 mature trees, highlighting the importance of sustainable waste management.

Montenegro

Montenegrin Montenegrin Local Day of Action: Green Innovators for Sustainable Change

The Montenegrin Local Day of Action (LDA), organized by Centar za omladinsku edukaciju, focused on youth empowerment through social entrepreneurship with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. The workshop encouraged young people to explore how green business ideas can contribute to solving local environmental challenges.

Fostering Innovation for a Sustainable Future

During the event, participants:

  • Learned about social entrepreneurship as a tool for environmental change
  • Identified key environmental challenges in their local communities
  • Developed innovative business ideas aimed at sustainability solutions

Through group activities and discussions, attendees explored how eco-friendly ventures can both support the environment and create long-term social impact.

Equipping Youth with Practical Tools

The workshop not only inspired young people but also provided them with practical knowledge and strategies to turn ideas into action. By understanding the link between business and sustainability, participants gained insights into how entrepreneurship can be a force for positive environmental change.

Slovenia (1)

Slovenian Local Day of Action: Handcrafted Holiday Gifts

The Slovenian Local Day of Action (LDA), organized by Youth Network No Excuse Slovenia, took place on December 13, 2024, at Gimnazija Škofja Loka as part of the Družbena ustvarjalnica extracurricular program. Instead of focusing on holiday consumerism, students spent time together handcrafting Christmas gifts and decorations while reflecting on sustainability and mindful consumption.

Rethinking Holiday Traditions

With the increasing commercialization of the holiday season, this LDA encouraged:

  • Creative, handmade gifts as a sustainable alternative to mass-produced items
  • Quality time and collaboration over materialism
  • Discussion on sustainability and how personal choices impact the environment

Beyond crafting, students engaged in conversations about the environmental and social effects of overconsumption and how small changes can lead to more meaningful, responsible celebrations.

Encouraging Local Action for Sustainability

This initiative aligned with SEE the Change by promoting:

  • Waste reduction through handmade, reusable items
  • Awareness of consumer habits and their long-term impact
  • Practical ways to embrace sustainability in everyday life

Looking Ahead

This LDA demonstrated how rethinking traditions and making intentional choices can contribute to a more sustainable future. As SEE the Change continues, more Local Days of Action will empower young people to take meaningful steps toward sustainability. Stay tuned for updates!

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Hungarian Local Day of Action: Exploring Careers in Sustainability

The Hungarian Local Day of Action (LDA), organized by Proteus Foundation, took place on 22 October 2024 at the Hungarian Innovation Hub and brought together young people eager to explore career opportunities in sustainability. Through open discussions with professionals, participants gained valuable insights into different career paths and international opportunities in the field.

Career Jouneys in Sustainability

The event featured four sustainability professionals from diverse fields who shared their career experiences:

  • Urban Ecologist – Understanding the role of green spaces in sustainable cities
  • Regenerative Agriculture Advocate – Exploring innovative farming methods for a sustainable food system
  • Carbon Advisor – Addressing carbon reduction strategies in businesses and communities
  • Sustainability Educator – Engaging young people in climate action through education

Participants heard firsthand about how these professionals entered the field, the challenges they faced, and the current opportunities in the sustainability job market. A Q&A session allowed attendees to ask specific questions and gain career advice.

International Opportunities for Young People

In addition to career insights, the event introduced Erasmus+ youth opportunities and international volunteering in Hungary. These sessions encouraged participants to explore international learning opportunities, expanding their engagement in sustainability beyond local initiatives.

A Step Toward Future Action

With a focus on career exploration and international opportunities, the LDA helped in equipping young people with knowledge, connections, and motivation to engage in sustainability. As SEE the Change continues, upcoming Local Days of Action in other partner countries will provide further learning experiences, showcasing local sustainability practices and inspiring young people to take action.

Infopack MZPZ trening za trenereje

TRAINING FOR TRAINERS REPORT

Our Training for Trainers (T4T) took place from June 10th to 14th, 2024, in the picturesque town of Postojna, Slovenia. It was organised by Youth Network No Excuse Slovenia.

Throughout this week-long training, we aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for independent operation as trainers in non-formal education using experiential learning methods. The trainers, who work with various youth organizations across Southeast European countries, focused on sustainable development and environmental conservation.

In addition to learning about the roles of youth workers and the various methods of non-formal education, participants delved into understanding the youth as both participants and target groups, exploring their motivations and engagement strategies. A significant portion of the training was dedicated to sustainable development education, equipping participants with the expertise needed to competently address these topics within their respective organizations.

By the end of the training, each participant had prepared a local initiative, such as a waste collection campaign, a natural science school day, or sustainability training for teachers. These initiatives are set to be implemented within their organizations in the near future. Alongside the vast exchange of experiences and acquired knowledge, participants also forged new friendships and professional partnerships, and successfully developed detailed plans for local community events. We eagerly look forward to the next events of this kind!