Project name: Blue Changemakers – Youth Power for Ocean Sustainability
About the project
“Blue Changemakers” empowers students aged 11–13 from Georgia and Turkey to become active advocates for ocean and freshwater sustainability. Over five months, students explore local ecosystems, understand their connection to global water systems, and investigate pollution through hands-on activities.
The project also builds communication and advocacy skills through student-led campaigns and the creation of a Blue Youth Charter. International collaboration strengthens cultural exchange and shared responsibility for protecting water resources.
Work performed and main achievements
Students begin by exploring local rivers and lakes, mapping ecosystems, identifying species, and analysing environmental challenges. They create visual maps, stories, and posters to illustrate the connection between local and global water systems.
Through citizen science activities, students act as “pollution detectives,” collecting and analysing data on waste and microplastics. They then explore nature-based solutions by designing and testing simple water filtration models.
Students lead awareness campaigns using posters, videos, and creative activities, and present their work within the school community. The project concludes with the co-creation of a Blue Youth Charter and a final event showcasing their learning, supported by expert input and international exchange.
Results produced by the project
The project generates a wide range of student-created outputs, including ecosystem maps, stories, waste audit data, awareness materials, and water filtration models.
A key result is the Blue Youth Charter, outlining students’ shared vision and actions for protecting water ecosystems. Additional outputs include photos, videos, and creative digital content that document and extend the project’s impact.
These materials form a reusable set of educational resources that can be shared with other schools and support future Blue School initiatives.
Engagement and impact
Students are actively involved in all stages of the project, from research and experimentation to communication and collaboration. They work in teams, participate in citizen science, and engage with peers, teachers, and the wider community.
Teachers from multiple disciplines support implementation, while external experts and organisations contribute through workshops and guidance. Parents and community members are engaged through events and presentations.
The project strengthens environmental awareness, scientific thinking, communication skills, and students’ confidence as active citizens. By linking local and global challenges and fostering international cooperation, it creates lasting educational and social impact.
We hope this project will empower young people to understand that protecting rivers and oceans starts with their own actions, voices, and communities—and that even small changemakers can create a big blue future.”
