As part of the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy”, five workshops titled “Eco-Therapy Through Composting” were conducted between March and May 2026, engaging 28 residents of the Educational-Correctional Facility Tetovo.

The initiative aimed to encourage responsibility, cooperation, practical skills, and environmental awareness among young people. Through educational and hands-on activities, participants gained knowledge about proper organic waste management, environmental care, and the development of positive and sustainable habits.

Throughout the workshops, participants took part in:

Educational and practical activities on composting and environmental awareness;

Developing ideas and creating a logo and brand identity for the compost product;

Designing and producing packaging through sewing activities;

Creating and decorating pellet planters through creative painting activities;

Planting flowers and herbs for future use in the handmade planters.

In addition to the educational and practical components, the activities were accompanied by continuous psychosocial support. Through exercises focused on emotional awareness and regulation, as well as guided visualizations inspired by nature, participants were given opportunities to strengthen their emotional well-being.

All activities took place outdoors, in a natural environment that proved to be a safe and supportive space for learning and personal development. Nature helped create a sense of calm, reduce stress and uncertainty, and encourage creativity and self-expression.

For the participants, these workshops represented much more than a series of activities. They provided a space where young people could experience belonging, acceptance, support, and personal growth.

The initiative was implemented in cooperation with the Association for Creative Sustainability “Kombo” from Skopje, whose expertise and support contributed significantly to the successful realization of the activities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Educational-Correctional Facility Tetovo for its trust and unwavering support, and especially to Natasha Ristovska, Head of the Resocialization Department, whose dedication helped make this initiative possible and impactful for the young participants.

The activity is part of the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection,” funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia through the Civica Mobilitas program, and implemented by the Center for Youth Activism KRIK, Center for Social Initiatives “Nadez,” and the Association of Social Workers of Macedonia – ZSRM.