Youth in action. Ideas in motion. Change in progress.

February at Centre for Youth Activism KRIK (CYA KRIK) was all about connection, growth, and meaningful action. From welcoming new international volunteers to implementing inspiring youth-led initiatives, the month reflected what KRIK stands for — empowering young people to become active changemakers in their communities.

💡 What is CYA KRIK?

CYA KRIK is a youth-led, non-governmental and nonprofit organization that works for and with young people. Its mission is to encourage youth participation, activism, and inclusion in decision-making processes at both local and national levels.

At its core, KRIK believes that young people have the power to shape society. Through its programs, it supports youth in developing skills in ecology, critical thinking, and communication, while also advocating for the inclusion of socially marginalized groups.

🌐 New Faces, New Energy

This February, KRIK expanded its international community by welcoming several new volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps program.

 Volunteers from Türkiye

• Selen – A veterinary medicine student passionate about animals, travel, and cultural exchange. She brings prior NGO experience and a strong motivation to learn and contribute.

• Nazar – An architect with a deep interest in history, restoration, and ancient cities, eager to explore new cultures and gain hands-on experience.

Volunteers from France

• Myke – Curious and motivated, Myke is driven by learning, sharing experiences, and building meaningful connections.

• Aymeric – With interests ranging from philosophy and history to martial arts and art, Aymeric joins KRIK with a mission to spread joy and support people in vulnerable situations.

🎓 Meet the Intern

Paula, a 21-year-old student of International Social Work, joined KRIK as an intern. Coming from Germany and studying in the Netherlands, she brings creativity, curiosity, and a love for cultural exchange.

Her experience so far has been filled with:

• Creative workshops and music sessions

• Community engagement in occupational centers

• Exploring Skopje’s culture, food, and social life

Her story reflects how KRIK is not just a workplace — but a space for growth, connection, and purpose.

🌍 Spotlight: Peace Corps Volunteer Jackie

This month, KRIK highlights Jackie, a Peace Corps volunteer with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit work, education, and program development.

After retiring from her role as an associate dean, Jackie chose to pursue her long-standing dream of international service.

✨ Why KRIK?

Jackie’s work in community and economic development aligns perfectly with her background in:

• Research administration

• Program development and evaluation

• Organizational psychology

At KRIK, she aims to contribute her expertise while learning about local culture and identifying ways to strengthen the organization’s impact.

🧠 Supporting Youth Workers Across Europe

KRIK proudly shared the results of the C-C-B-Y (Coping with Challenging Behaviour in Youth Work) project, implemented in partnership with organizations from across Europe.

Key outcomes:

• 📘 Training curriculum for youth workers

• 💻 Digital platform with tools and videos

• 🌍 International collaboration and events

• 🧩 Improved skills for addressing challenging behavior

This project equips youth workers with innovative, body–mind approaches to better support young people’s emotional well-being and social inclusion.

🌱 Youth-Led Initiatives Creating Real Impact

February showcased the power of youth-driven change through several impactful initiatives:

🌿 “A Small Green Future” – Dojran

Children aged 6–9 learned about environmental protection through games, discussions, and creative workshops. Their drawings of a “happy” vs. “sad” planet highlighted strong awareness of sustainability.

🍃 “Young People Have a Solution for Plant Waste” – Delchevo

Participants engaged in:

• Composting workshops

• Tree planting using organic fertilizer

• Creating eco-campaign plans

This initiative turned organic waste into a valuable resource while building practical environmental skills.

♻️ “From Waste to Sustainability” – Shtip & Vinica

Young people:

• Identified local environmental problems

• Recycled paper into handmade products

• Formed ongoing eco-groups

The initiative demonstrated that when youth are empowered, they take action — and results follow.

🎸 Youth Rock, Let’s Roll – Project Kick-off

February also marked the launch of “Youth Rock, Let’s Roll”, a project focused on empowering young people to become active voices in society.

The kickoff meeting included:

• Interactive sessions and team-building

• Exploration of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Creative expression through art and discussion

• Introduction of tools for reporting community issues and initiatives

This is just the beginning of a journey toward stronger youth engagement and activism.

🚀 Moving Forward

From local eco-actions to international collaboration, February proved that KRIK continues to be a dynamic space where young people learn, connect, and lead change.

Whether through volunteering, community work, or advocacy, one thing remains clear:
When young people are given the space and support to act — they deliver impact.

👉 Stay connected and follow CYA KRIK for more updates, stories, and opportunities to get involved.