More than 150 teenagers from 10 communities across the Republic of Moldova took part in the “EcoLeaders – youth for sustainable communities” summer schools in August, where they learned about climate change, renewable energy, energy efficiency, biodiversity, water and waste through exercises, experiments and hands-on activities, while also exploring solutions they can apply in their own communities.

The summer schools were held in the villages of Costuleni, Hîrbovăț, Lozova, Mihăileni, Slobozia Mare, Vorniceni, Geamăna, Călinești, Izbiște and Vărvăreuca, with the support of UNDP, Sweden and Norway, in partnership with the Alliance of Hometown Associations of Moldova, as part of the “Resilient communities through women empowerment” project.

Behind each summer school was a team consisting of a young person and an adult from the community. Before becoming facilitators, they took part in a three-day training where they learned not only about climate and energy, but also how to work with young people and turn information into interactive activities.

Back in their communities, the facilitators put what they had learned into practice, adapting the programme to the realities of each locality.

Instead of conventional lessons, the teenagers became “eco-detectives” in their own communities, identifying environmental challenges and looking for solutions. They learned how to sort and reduce waste, save water and energy, and better understand the biodiversity around them.

In Costuleni, for example, young people developed ideas for small-scale environmental projects and committed to concrete actions for their environment and community.

In Lozova, some of the activities moved outdoors. Young people travelled on foot, by bicycle and scooter to the Codrii Nature Reserve, where they explored local biodiversity. They also visited water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as a photovoltaic park, to see first-hand how some of the topics discussed during the summer school translate into practice.

In Geamăna, young people calculated their ecological footprint, carried out an energy and environmental audit, and worked on a short guide to composting. In Mihăileni, they followed the journey of organic waste and discussed how composting can provide a solution for both waste management and agriculture.

Beyond building knowledge about the environment and energy, the EcoLeaders summer schools aimed to show young people that they do not have to wait until adulthood to contribute to change in their communities. They worked in teams, learned how to present their ideas and make decisions together, and discussed civic engagement and actions they can initiate using the resources available to them.

“I would like to change people’s perspectives and encourage them to look differently at green energy and environmental protection. I believe there is a solution to every problem, and if we come together, we can change things. When I return home, I want to talk to the people around me about what I have learned here and about the simple changes each of us can make,” says Sara Stănilă, a student at Izbiște Gymnasium.

In addition to the more than 150 young people involved in the EcoLeaders summer schools, throughout this year UNDP and its partners have continued to invest in climate and environmental education for young people. Another 40 teenagers took part in two summer schools dedicated to environmental journalism and the protection of ecosystems in the Lower Nistru region, while 20 students from Moldova State University completed the “Environmental Journalism” course.

In the previous year, students from 87 schools studied modules on energy and climate, while more than 140 students from six universities took part in the Eco Media Academy. In addition, more than 450 school students from six communities participated in the interactive “Energy with Equal Chances” quiz, with another 10 schools set to join the campaign starting in September 2026.

For many of the participants, the experience does not end with the summer school. In several communities, young people are already planning activities they will carry out together, ranging from awareness campaigns for local residents and tree-planting activities to waste collection and other environmental initiatives. By putting into practice what they learned during these three days through simple actions tailored to the needs of each community, young people will contribute to building more sustainable, engaged and climate-resilient communities.