On April 22, World Earth Day, students at Staiky Lyceum in Kyiv Oblast took a meaningful step toward change. Together, they planted trees on the school grounds, launching an important ecological transformation of their school environment and demonstrating how young people can turn ideas into real changes in their communities.
The event took place within Plan International’s “Champions of Change” programme transforming learning into real action. As part of the project “Green Space for Change: Restoring the School Botanical Garden,” students led the initiative from concept to implementation.
“The project taught me to look at commonplace things in a different way and apply that insight to my life. “
Sviatoslav, 16, project participant
In March 2026, a team of lyceum students proposed this environmental initiative, and within just a few weeks, their ideas began to take shape. Throughout April, participants in the “Champions of Change” programme explored environmental topics, discussed ecological responsibility, generated ideas, and designed their own eco-activities.
“The project taught me to look at commonplace things in a different way and apply that insight to my life. I learned a lot of new stuff and got to share it with my friends,” shared Sviatoslav, 16, who took part in the project.
Much more than just a tree-planting activity
It was not only about an eco-initiative — it was about shared decisions, responsibility, teamwork, and the belief that positive change is possible right now. It was a day of unity and action, when discussions and preparation transformed into visible change.
“This project brought us together and taught us trust one another. We need more initiatives like this to get even more young people involved in making change together,” said project participant Anna, 16.
Here, the project’s slogan truly came to life:
“Change begins where girls and boys act together.”
Because gender equality is not about roles — it is about partnership, mutual support, and shared responsibility for the future.
The event also reflected the spirit of European Youth: young people actively shaping the future of their communities through leadership and action.
The activity was attended by the Plan International Ukraine team, led by Sven Coppens, Director of Crisis Response at Plan International Ukraine, as well as representatives of the local administration.
“This project brought us together and taught us trust one another. “
Anna, 16, project participant
Now held for the second year in a row, the Earth Day eco-activity has become an important tradition within the “Champions of Change” programme, bringing together young people, the Plan International Ukraine team, and local administration representatives around environmental action and community engagement.
Students prove young people do not wait for change
They create it. Together. Here. And now.
“What is especially important in this initiative is the strong focus on equality. Girls and boys working together, planning together, and taking decisions together. This is exactly where meaningful change begins in practice,” explains Sven Coppens, Director East and Central Europe Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Response, Plan International.
Similar eco-initiatives within the “Champions of Change” programme also took place in 6 other locations across Ukraine, where young people implemented their own community initiatives focused on environmental action, inclusion, and positive social change.
Categories: Campaigns, Education, Emergencies, Skills and work, Youth empowerment
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