On March 2 and 3, a series of interactive workshops was held at the Uzhhorod Scientific Lyceum for eighth-grade students, focusing on environmental awareness, critical thinking, and teamwork. The sessions were conducted by Mariia Rushchak, youth mentor and lecturer at the NGO Green Varosh.
These workshops were part of a planned series of educational activities for lyceum students, aimed at fostering environmental consciousness, responsible decision-making, and active civic engagement among young people.
The environmental education initiatives are implemented with the partner support of Diageo and PET Kupa within the framework of the Callaction project, which promotes the development of environmental culture and responsible waste management practices.
Ecology of Nature and Human Life
During the workshops, students discussed the impact of human activity on the environment, including climate change, pollution, and their consequences for plants, animals, and entire ecosystems.
Participants reflected on how ecological balance can be disrupted and the role that everyday human decisions play in either harming or protecting the planet. At the same time, the concept of ecology was explored more broadly—not only in terms of environmental protection, but also as a framework for responsible thinking and interpersonal relationships.
Students drew parallels between the ecology of nature and the “ecology of human interactions.” Discussions focused on respect, honesty, responsibility, and how individual choices, words, and actions shape the social environment.
One of the most symbolic exercises was a reflective activity called “clearing out.” Students examined the contents of their pockets and disposed of unnecessary items such as old papers and packaging. The discussion then shifted to another form of “waste” — negative words, resentment, and habits that can impede healthy relationships.
This exercise served as a metaphor illustrating that sustainability and ecological awareness begin with personal responsibility and inner balance.
Critical Thinking and Information Literacy
Another important component of the workshops focused on information literacy. Students discussed how to verify environmental information and why it is crucial to critically evaluate messages in social media.
To demonstrate how information can change as it is passed from person to person, students participated in a “telephone game”-style exercise. A message was relayed across the group, and by the end of the activity, the class saw how significantly it could be distorted.
This practical example helped highlight the importance of verifying sources and developing critical thinking skills, particularly in the context of environmental issues.
Waste Sorting and Teamwork
The workshops also included practical discussions on waste sorting. Students reviewed recycling symbols on packaging and explored opportunities for recycling in Uzhhorod.
Team-based exercises were another key component. Students completed collaborative tasks requiring communication, negotiation, and the ability to present and defend their ideas.
These activities demonstrated that meaningful environmental and social change is possible only when people can collaborate and work collectively.
The Importance of Environmental Education
Such initiatives emphasize the crucial role of environmental education in schools. They help young people gain knowledge about the natural world while also fostering responsibility toward the environment, information, and personal decisions.
Environmental culture begins with understanding that every individual influences the world through their daily choices and actions.
At Uzhhorod Scientific Lyceum, these workshops are seen as an important step in nurturing an environmentally conscious and socially responsible generation.
The key conclusion of the workshops was clear:ecology is not only about nature — it is also about thinking, responsibility, and collective action
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