During three active and inspiring days, from October 7 to 9, 2025, a study visit was held in Podgorica, bringing together representatives of partner organizations and their volunteers with the aim of exchanging experiences, learning about good practices, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of ecology, sustainable development, and youth engagement. The study visit was organized by Zero Waste Montenegro, with the support of partner organizations: Zelena akcija (Zagreb), the CK13 Youth Center (Novi Sad), and the Center for the Environment (CZZS).
On the first day, the program began at the Urban Garden in Podgorica, where participants first had the opportunity to get to know each other through short interactive activities and exercises. This was followed by a tour of the garden. The creation of the garden, its goals and activities were presented, with particular emphasis on community composting and the permaculture principles applied in the garden. In the afternoon, participants visited the Pomorandža Socio-Cultural Center, which is open to all interested citizens. Members of DKC Pomorandža shared more about the activities of this creative center, such as organizing cultural events, exhibitions, film screenings, music and art programs. The visit concluded with a screening of a film about the reconstruction of an old factory space in Tetovo, in which DKC Pomorandža volunteers participated.
On the second day, participants spent time at Camp Ćuk, a pleasant environment that encourages calmness and creativity. In this spirit, the workshop “Mental Ecology” was held, led by artist Milena Živković. Particularly inspiring moments included the presentation of a social sculpture, “drawing music,” and a cubist drawing session, all of which encouraged participants to think about how creativity can become part of everyday life and a way to express one’s inner world.
On the third day of the study visit, participants visited the Youth Entrepreneurs’ Union – Kreativa Hub in Podgorica, a space that brings together young people, creatives, and innovators with the goal of developing sustainable ideas and business initiatives. During the visit, an upcycling workshop was held, in which participants were divided into three groups and made tote bags from materials originally intended for disposal. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and consideration of how seemingly unusable items can be transformed into new and useful products.
This event was carried out as part of the project “THE STORY OF THE 1.5°C LIMIT – Solutions and Storytelling of Youth from the Western Balkans” and co-financed by the European Union. The main goal of the “THE STORY” project is to strengthen the capacities of young people and organizations working with youth in the Western Balkan region so they can understand and advocate for solutions to the ecological crisis, using civic education and the arts, especially literature.