We launched the project called "Growing Green Children", which was financially supported by the European Solidarity Corps fund within the framework of Erasmus Plus.

The project was implemented in the kindergarten called Borovska in Karviná. The main goal of the project was to deepen children's relationship with nature through gardening and an interactive program. At the same time, we contributed to raising awareness of sustainability, permaculture, and ecosystems through this project.

We built an eco-garden following the principles of permaculture in the area of a nursery school. By building the life garden, we aimed to learn more about permaculture and the environment. Together with our group of volunteers, we gained competencies in non-formal and informal learning methods. Additionally, we developed skills in leadership and team management, which will be crucial for our future careers. We also strengthened our motivation for volunteering and solidarity within our community, aiming to instill these attitudes in children.

Children, as part of our community, represent our future, and by fostering principles of solidarity that we both built in them and reinforced in ourselves, we improved the quality of life in our city. Lastly, through this project, we demonstrated solidarity by helping Zakladni and Materska Skola Borovskeho in Karviná secure funding for developing its concept of a Green Nursery School.

Our main objectives were:

• Introducing the concept of permaculture to children and the public by building a Life Garden in the approved area of ZS and MS Borovskeho.
• Developing the competencies of our youth group in project management, non-formal learning methods, and fostering positive attitudes towards volunteering through activities like monthly workshops, planning, evaluation, budgeting, and motivation.
• Contributing to community development through intersectoral collaboration between youth, children, schools, NGOs, and the municipality.

The project focused on two main target groups. The primary group consisted of the youth participants who wanted to promote ecological education through workshops with children and by building a life garden in the available area of Zakladni and Materska Skola Borovskeho in Karviná.

Children, influenced by their environment, especially in school, were encouraged to take environmental action by learning about the importance and power of nature in the school setting. The project aimed to make children eager to learn more about natural processes, the significance of nature and its protection, as well as the key principles of sustainable gardening. They also explored the effort involved in growing fruits and vegetables, gaining insight into the food chain. The garden included composting, teaching children sustainable waste management practices, while also improving their teamwork.

The created eco-garden now serves as an example for other actions in the city. Another target group were our local partners and citizens, who greatly benefited from the project. The project enhanced our collaboration for future community development ideas.