As part of the project “Empowering Youth: Primary School Pupils’ Education on Climate Change,” a tree-planting activity took place in the courtyard of Borislav Pekić Primary School, marking the symbolic conclusion of a series of five educational workshops designed for the school’s pupils.
Through a set of workshops led by Dr Jelena Milanković Jovanov from the University of Novi Sad, pupils from Years 2 to 7 had the chance to learn the basics of climate change in an engaging and age-appropriate way – from its causes and consequences to potential solutions. The workshops were designed to encourage critical thinking, empathy towards nature, and the development of ecological awareness, with the aim of helping children understand how they themselves can contribute to preserving the planet. The final step in this educational cycle was a practical greening activity in the schoolyard, where pupils turned their knowledge into tangible action.
Just before the planting began, the pupils were addressed by Irena Petrović, Director of the WMG Foundation, and Jelena Grigorijev, the school’s headteacher. Boris Ivanović, a forestry engineer from the Srbijašume public company, gave a brief but highly inspiring talk on the importance of healthy and preserved ecosystems for all of us. Through engaging real-life examples and an open conversation with the pupils, he helped further strengthen their awareness of nature and the role each of us can play in its preservation – whether through individual habits or collective action.
Afterwards, the pupils enthusiastically and carefully greened their schoolyard, planting juniper, forsythia, and cherry laurel seedlings. This hands-on activity was not only an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned but also to leave a lasting green mark in their school environment – one that will grow along with them.
As a token of appreciation for their effort, dedication, and knowledge throughout the entire educational process, the pupils received certificates for successfully taking part in the project, which further boosted their confidence and motivation to continue caring for their environment.
The Empowering Youth project is implemented by the WMG Foundation in partnership with Borislav Pekić Primary School, with the goal of raising pupils’ awareness about the importance of personal responsibility in protecting the environment and developing sustainable habits from an early age.
The WMG Foundation continues to invest in empowering young people through projects that combine education, activism, and care for nature, as it is the youngest generations that represent the key drivers of positive change in society.
