Lithuania MA
🇱🇹 Mid-Term Activities Report – Lithuania (Youth Leisure Centre & Municipality of Ukmergė)
Project: SUCOMINNO – Sustainable Communities and Eco-Innovation
Timeframe: January – March 2025
Partners: Jaunimo Laisvalaikio Centras (Youth Leisure Centre – JLC) & Ukmergė District Municipality Administration
Related to: Follow-up of PDA1 (Poland) | Local Youth Engagement & Sustainability Promotion
In Lithuania, the SUCOMINNO project gained strong momentum through a series of mid-term follow-up activities coordinated by Jaunimo Laisvalaikio Centras (JLC) and the Municipality of UkmergÄ—. These events showcased the power of youth creativity and civic leadership in promoting sustainability, circular economy, and green innovation.
At the Youth Leisure Centre in UkmergÄ—, a two-phase youth entrepreneurship competition took place in February 2025. The initiative kicked off on February 18, when six teams of young people were invited to develop project ideas aimed at revitalizing the center's terrace. Through brainstorming sessions, teamwork, and structured questionnaires, participants began shaping concepts ranging from event organization to innovative use of outdoor space. The event generated excitement and active involvement, revealing the rich creative potential among local youth. One week later, on February 25, the teams returned for the second part of the challenge. Despite two teams withdrawing, the remaining groups presented refined and visually captivating concepts, including video presentations that stood out for their storytelling and professionalism. Participants were evaluated not only by a committee but also by their peers in a dynamic question-and-answer session. Gift bags were awarded to all, and the entire activity proved to be a celebration of youth innovation, self-expression, and skill-building, in perfect alignment with the SUCOMINNO values.
Simultaneously, the UkmergÄ— District Municipality Administration organized two impactful activities targeting both political and educational stakeholders. On January 28, during a meeting with district elders led by the Mayor, the project team presented the objectives of SUCOMINNO. Topics included the Green Deal, circular economy, and comparative practices from other participating countries. This session aimed to raise awareness and inspire the district's leadership to contribute to environmental efforts. A follow-up task was assigned to gather localized insights into community-based sustainability practices.
On March 20, the Municipality organized a meaningful Earth Day event at the Old Town Junior High School, engaging 30 students, 17 teachers, and 7 kindergarteners. The activity focused on building and installing birdhouses to provide shelter for local birds—a symbolic and practical action promoting biodiversity. With support from forestry experts and teachers, students not only learned how to construct the birdhouses but also gained insight into their ecological importance. The Erasmus+ project SUCOMINNO was introduced as part of the event, connecting the local activity to broader European efforts in environmental education. The initiative inspired a sense of stewardship and sparked enthusiasm among youth to continue taking action for nature.
Through their combined efforts, the Lithuanian partners exemplified how local governance, educational institutions, and youth centers can work together to nurture sustainable communities. Their activities demonstrated how SUCOMINNO's messages transcend international training sessions, taking root in the everyday lives and learning spaces of young people and local leaders alike.
