From May 21 to 29, 2025, six students from Sumy State University took part in the international youth exchange “Children’s Rights and the Climate Crisis,” held in the city of Kocaeli, Turkiye. The event was implemented within the Erasmus+ program (Project No. 2024-3-TR01-KA152-YOU-000281878) with the support of the European Union.
The participation of the students was made possible thanks to the strategic partnership between SumDU and the NGO “Lifelong Learning Center” (Sumy), which served as the Ukrainian partner in this project. The Department of International Economic Relations was represented by students Taisiia Fomenko, Sofiia Kyseliova, Sofiia Danilova, Kateryna Holikova, Yaroslav Say and Valeriia Domashenko.
The main objective of the international exchange was to raise youth awareness of the link between climate change and children’s rights through non-formal education. The program included intensive educational modules, expert presentations, thematic workshops, and creative activities aimed at fostering environmental awareness and legal competence.
Specifically, the participants:
- explored how the climate crisis affects fundamental children’s rights — the right to life, education, health, nutrition, and a safe environment;
- created informational posters, digital magazines, and short films dedicated to the issue of climate change;
- participated in a simulation game on developing public policy for protecting children’s rights in the context of climate challenges;
- exchanged best practices with peers from Turkey, Greece, and Portugal;
- represented Ukraine during cultural evenings and the international NGO fair.
Participation in the Erasmus+ program opens new opportunities for students’ personal and professional growth, developing intercultural competence, leadership skills, and a responsible attitude towards global challenges. Non-formal education in such projects complements academic learning and is an important component in training a new generation of professionals committed to sustainable development and social justice.
We are proud to create such unforgettable experiences and opportunities for our students!
