We believe that if we want to stop climate change, we need to start building sustainable habits at school. The ever-greening city of Vilnius can also boast sustainability education projects that help bring green ideas into schools and kindergartens. Not only schoolchildren, but also their parents and teachers are encouraged to join them.

  • Currently, Vilnius City Municipality is running an initiative called “More Sustainable”. It is a year-long project selection competition for general and pre-school education institutions. The aim of the competition is to promote sustainable and innovative ideas to help schools become greener and integrate sustainable practices into both school life and the education process. Each approved project receives funding from EUR 1,000 to EUR 5,000. 56 applications have been received for 2024 and the winners will be announced on 6 September. The initiative offers an extraordinary opportunity for schools to share and implement their green ideas.
  • Recognising that sometimes all you need is more knowledge to live a greener life, we are organising a long-term training course “Sustainable Development Attitudes at School”for education professionals working in Vilnius schools. The project helps educators to learn how to incorporate sustainability principles into the classroom and how to educate students about the importance of sustainability in order to encourage them to become responsible and conscious citizens of the world.
  • Each year, schools in Vilnius can apply for the project Participatory Budget and receive from EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 to implement the ideas proposed by schoolchildren to improve the school community environment. The proposed ideas must comply with the principles of sustainability, the criterion that is evaluated by the schoolchildren when choosing the best idea. In 2024, 51 schools are participating.
  • Schools in the capital can also take part in the programme “Eat Smart”, run in partnership with the Public Institution Humana People to People Baltic (HPPB). HPPB provides EUR 2,500 to participating schools every year to help them prepare healthy meals using locally produced products in technology classes and provide them with the necessary equipment for this activity. The programme not only develops healthy eating habits, but also teaches food conservation and other sustainable habits.
  • Not only schools and kindergartens, but also various organisations can contribute to environmental education in the capital. They have the opportunity to take part in an annual competition to support public environmental and ecological education projects in the capital. Winners can receive up to EUR 10,000 in funding to implement projects that promote public environmental awareness and contribute to a sustainable mindset. This is a great opportunity to implement ideas that not only educate but also inspire action.
  • The project Vilnius is a School is aimed at modernising the education system by shifting at least 10% of classes in the capital out of schools and into urban spaces, and by introducing a blended learning model – increasingly combining traditional classroom activities with urban classes. Teachers can choose a variety of environmental and sustainability topics for their classes, such as waste sorting, learning about biodiversity in city parks, environmental hikes, creating homes for insects, etc. This makes the lessons more interesting and helps students to get to know the city of Vilnius better.
  • All new schools in Vilnius City are equipped with outdoor classrooms, where lessons can be held outdoors when the weather is suitable, improving children’s health.

The sustainability initiatives of Vilnius not only educate young citizens, but also invite the whole community to contribute to a greener future. The knowledge about sustainability gained at school and every implemented idea is an important step towards improving the city’s environment!

What can you do?

To contribute to a sustainable mindset, it is important not only to learn but also to share knowledge and ideas. You can also initiate change by submitting your ideas to sustainability competitions or getting involved in environmental projects. Promote sustainable habits at home and at school to contribute to a more responsible society. Every step counts – start today!