Events & Campaigns

PAMA X YouthGeo

Youth-Led Climate Education

Nearly 300 children reached this July through hands-on, multilingual sessions

This July, Youth Geographic Association partnered with the incredible team at PARKVOL, Cyprus’ first youth-led environmental volunteer organization, to deliver a series of summer school programs in Nicosia. Together, we reached nearly 300 children between the ages of 5 and 12, introducing them to the building blocks of climate action. And we’re just getting started.

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight climate change. By starting early, we empower the next generation with not just information, but with the confidence that their actions matter.

This program was a reminder that action starts early, and with nearly 300 young stewards already on their journey, the seeds of change in Cyprus are growing strong.

Climate change is a global challenge, and that means communication matters. Our sessions were delivered in multiple languages to ensure every child could connect to the material, ask questions, and see themselves as part of the solution.

We explored:

Reforestation basics — how planting trees helps balance ecosystems.
Recycling and waste reduction — what really happens when we sort our trash.
Energy conservation — why turning off the lights and saving electricity matters.
Mindful daily choices — the ripple effect of reusable bottles, less plastic, and smarter habits.

Parkvol x YGA: Green Streets Nicosia

This month, YGA joined forces with Park Vol, the Nicosia Municipality, and the Mayor of Nicosia for a community gardening day. The initiative wasn’t just about adding flowers to the sidewalks, it was about reminding everyone that care for the planet begins with care for each other.

Volunteers planted new flora, painted shared spaces, and brought people together across generations. In just one day, the city felt transformed.

“When people come together around something as simple as a plant, they’re really planting hope. That’s what shared stewardship looks like.”

What is next?

This is only the beginning. With more community projects, school workshops, and youth-led advocacy planned, we’re excited to keep building momentum across Cyprus and beyond.

A few weeks earlier, Polly had the chance to sit down with the Mayor of Nicosia to talk about urban greenery — and why planting in cities is about more than aesthetics.

Urban flora plays a critical role in: Boosting biodiversity by creating pockets of habitat for pollinators. Improving air quality in neighbourhoods affected by traffic and industry. Building community resilience, where shared projects create stronger bonds.

These conversations show what happens when youth voices are welcomed into the decision-making process: ideas move from talk to action.

Clean Up Event

Nicosia, the vibrant capital of Cyprus, is a city that bridges cultures and histories. Yet, even in its green spaces like Nicosia Linear Park—a serene pathway along the Pedieos River—the growing issue of litter is evident. The park, loved for its walking and cycling trails, is not immune to the challenges of pollution. Our clean-up revealed just how much waste can accumulate, urging the need for collective responsibility and action.

Future Plans:

Next, we’re planning a beach clean-up on the beautiful island and working to improve sustainability within the academic community. Initiatives include enhancing recycling systems, educating peers on environmental issues, and organizing a tree-planting event later this academic year.

Our clean-up team consisted of enthusiastic students from the American Academy Nicosia, organized by YGA, and led by Ambassador, Polina Dynyak, and Anastasia Avraamidou, under the guidance of supervisor, Ms. Neriman Shensoy.

During our clean-up, we were shocked by the variety of items we discovered that had no place in the natural setting of Nicosia Linear Park. Among the trash were unexpected objects like brooms, clothing, sports equipment, and even a discarded microwave, highlighting the issue of improper disposal and local e-waste. These items not only harm the environment but also disrupt the beauty and tranquility of the park, serving as a reminder of the urgent need for better waste management and community awareness.