{"id":6915,"date":"2025-05-27T00:08:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T03:08:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clayss.org\/jovenes-solidarios-en-eslovaquia\/"},"modified":"2025-05-27T00:11:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T03:11:18","slug":"solidarity-youth-in-slovakia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clayss.org\/en\/solidarity-youth-in-slovakia\/","title":{"rendered":"Solidarity Youth in Slovakia"},"content":{"rendered":"

The “Not Only Medicines Heal project” (Ko\u0161ice Secondary Vocational School of Beauty Services, Slovakia) aimed to revitalize the neglected park of the city hospital, creating a peaceful space for patients, staff and visitors to relax and recharge their batteries. Students from the Ecogirls<\/em> team worked with the hospital’s horticultural staff to improve the park by planting a herb garden, renovating the benches, and adding other green elements. The initiative was based on the belief that nature and medicine can improve mental health by reducing stress.<\/p>\n

The project involved 31 students, 4 teachers and 7 community members, with an estimated 5,000 future park users. The students mapped the community\u2019s needs and noted that the neglected benches and gloomy atmosphere of the park had a negative effect on the visitors\u2019 psychological well-being. They worked with hospital staff to design and plant the garden, aligning their plan with the historical integrity of the park.<\/p>\n

Through the project, the students gained practical skills in biodiversity, project management, budgeting, teamwork and communication. They also learned about the importance of nature in mental health, developed an understanding of biodiversity, and applied their knowledge through practical work. In addition, promoting the project through a crowdfunding campaign helped them improve their digital skills and learn how to advocate for their ideas.<\/p>\n

The revitalized park included new benches, a herb garden, and a lawn area, making it a peaceful space for relaxation. Hospital staff and patients reacted positively, and many appreciated the students’ work. The project not only benefited the hospital community but also inspired similar initiatives in other local institutions. The students, seeing that their efforts had a tangible result, gained confidence and a greater sense of responsibility and respect for nature. The UNLP director thanked the school, remarking that the park had become a true oasis of peace and relaxation.<\/p>\n

This project won first prize in the Service-Learning Award (Central & Eastern Europe)<\/a> in 2024.<\/p>\n

For more information on the project [in Slovakian], visit: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TLOKdAy2xB4<\/a><\/p>\n

More information concerning the institution: https:\/\/gemke.edupage.org\/?lang=en<\/a><\/p>\n\t

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