At the Green Ideas Fair in Kragujevac, Serbia, young climate leaders showcased innovative solutions for a greener future. Organized as part of the Sunny Schools initiative and supported by OSF-WB, the event brought together students, teachers, local authorities, and the wider community to promote climate action, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship across the Western Balkans.

Serbian town of Kragujevac became a vibrant hub of creativity, activism, and climate hope as over 170 students, parents, teachers and local officials gathered for the Bazaar of Green Ideas, hosted by the elementary school “21. Oktobar” on 10 April 2025.  

Part of the “Green Generation: Schools Engaged for Climate Action” project, implemented by Belgrade Open School (BOS) with the support of Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB), the event is a core part of the flagship Sunny Schools in the Western Balkans initiative, which aims to promote energy democracy by transforming public schools into energy-neutral institutions and centers for community-level climate education. 

More than 28,000 students, 2,200 teachers, and 56,000 family members across 85 schools in Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are now experiencing the benefits of solar power, including lower energy costs, cleaner air, and a tangible lesson in sustainability, every single day.

A Regional Family for Climate Action 

Students from six schools and 21 creative teams showcased their ideas for a cleaner, more sustainable future. From air-purifying innovations to river clean-up campaigns, young minds demonstrated that the path to green transition is already being paved by the next generation. 

“Together with your friends from five countries, you are part of a big family of Sunny Schools in the Western Balkans,” said Aleksandra Sanjevic, OSF-WB Program Manager, addressing the crowd. 

“Be proud of your devoted engagement and your will to fight for a cleaner, healthier environment—just as we are proud of you.” 

Voices That Inspire 

Opening the event, the host school’s principal, Danijela Raletić, offered poetic words of encouragement: 
 
“Be like the earth—plant the seed of life on this planet with your thoughts and actions. Be like a cloud—rain with your thoughts and keep on thundering.” 

The City of Kragujevac’s Energy Manager, Ana Radojević, affirmed the municipality’s commitment to green transformation: 
 
“Along with these six schools, the City of Kragujevac now has 11 public institutions equipped with solar PV infrastructure. We will continue on this path.” 

Students Leading the Change 

Students presented their ideas at creative, interactive stands—demonstrating enthusiasm for environmental change and collaboration. They voiced their deep concerns and hopes for the planet: 

“We wish for the river to flow with pure, clear water, not garbage.” – Aleksa, 5th grade. 

“A clean environment is key not only for public health but overall well-being.” – Milica, 7th grade. 

“If people continue to be careless, forests will vanish and rivers will dry up.” – Teodora, 6th grade 

“In the clouds of pollution, silence is not the answer—but a call to action.” – Ognjen, 7th grade. 

Students demonstrated teamwork, creativity, and genuine passion. Learning was hands-on, practical, and collaborative—spurring a strong sense of ownership among students and sparking meaningful conversations in their communities. Many said they plan to continue to work green initiatives. 

Winners with a Mission 

The “Protectors of the Air” from Elementary School “Natalija Nana Nedeljković” took home the first prize with a visionary project for chimney filters that are part of a self-sustaining, circular system. Their work stood out for both innovation and community impact. 

 “Although you are competing today with your innovative green ideas, you must know that all of you are already winners—as young green leaders in your communities,” OSF’s Sanjevic told the students. “Your determination to create a greener future lights the way for all of us.” 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Bringing climate education into the heart of the community, workshops, teamwork, and practical activities deepened the students’ understanding of environmental issues whose projects inspired and engaged families, teachers, and local leaders. 

Participating schools included: 
Miloje Simović, Dositej Obradović, Natalija Nana Nedeljković, Sreten Mladenović, Sveti Sava, and 21. Oktobar. 

Watch the RTK’s event coverage