On January 10th, 2025, students and educators at Vilniaus Vytis Gymnasium in Vilnius came together for an inspiring event as part of the Response-Ability: Responsive Youth for Climate Action (RYCA) project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union 🇪🇺.

The event centered around the presentation of the Vilnius EcoGuide, a youth-created resource developed through local research and peer collaboration. This guide offers practical and accessible advice for individuals and communities looking to adopt more sustainable practices in everyday life.

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💬 A Dialogue on Sustainable Cities and Communities

Following the EcoGuide presentation, participants engaged in a peer-led discussion on what it truly means to live in a sustainable city and be part of an eco-conscious community.

The conversation spanned across personal responsibility and broader collective action, focusing on:

• Sustainable lifestyle habits at home and school
• The role of education in promoting climate awareness
• How local communities and governments can enable and support green behavior
• Ways the school community can contribute to Vilnius’ green future

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🌱 Spotlight on Vilnius: Future European Green Capital

A key moment of the event was the exploration of Vilnius’ role as the upcoming European Green Capital 2025. Students and staff reflected on:

• Current green initiatives in the city
• Local sustainability leaders and organizations
• Opportunities for young people and schools to take part in upcoming events and city-wide campaigns

The discussion fueled excitement and a sense of purpose, highlighting that youth are not just observers—they are active contributors to Vilnius’ transformation into a greener, more inclusive capital.

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🤝 Building Momentum Through RYCA

This event reinforced the RYCA project’s mission: to empower youth to take meaningful climate action in their local contexts. By combining research, dialogue, and community-building, the students of Vilniaus Vytis Gymnasium demonstrated how schools can become active hubs of sustainability.

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📌 What’s Next?
As Vilnius prepares for its spotlight as a European Green Capital, the school community is already thinking ahead. From eco-campaigns to student-led events, young people are ready to make their voices heard—and their choices matter.

Stay tuned for updates on future RYCA initiatives in Lithuania and across Europe!

📲 Follow us at @rycaproject and visit rycaproject.eu for news, resources, and upcoming opportunities to join our journey.