The Job&Orienta event, dedicated to career guidance, study advice, and employment, celebrated its 30th edition this year, gathering thousands of high school students and university students.
The Veneto region, as part of its stand, organized a series of conferences and workshops on November 29, 2024, in Verona, with the aim of promoting creativity and inspiring young people for future professional challenges. One of the highlights of the program was the second Interreg Italy-Croatia workshop, which emphasized the importance of protecting the marine environment through the Marine Litter-Free (ML-FREE) project.
Youth in action: The ML-FREE project at work
Part of the workshop was entirely run by students from Marco Polo high school in Venice, who have been actively involved in raising awareness about marine plastic pollution through the ML-FREE project since September 2023. Ten students presented the project’s results to a large audience, including many high school students interested in environmental issues.
Students presented their research and solutions for reducing plastic litter in the sea. An interactive quiz on environmental challenges was organized, allowing visitors to test their knowledge and learn something new. The workshop concluded with a lively debate on plastic in everyday life, encouraging participants to reflect on their habits and explore ways to reduce plastic waste.
Teamwork, innovation and dedication for a brighter future
Students demonstrated how young people, with the right support and opportunities, can be key players in raising awareness about important environmental issues. The enthusiasm and engagement of the Marco Polo school students inspired many visitors to the event, creating a positive atmosphere and motivation for further action. The ML-FREE project once again proved that through teamwork, creativity, and dedication, we can create a better future for our Adriatic sea and generations to come.
– Youth is at the heart of our projects and their involvement is key to driving change. Through initiatives like ML-FREE, we create opportunities for education and active participation in addressing environmental challenges, – concluded the representatives of the Interreg Italy-Croatia program.
Students from Split and Venice created games to raise awareness
Students from Split’s school of Economics and administration and Venice’s Marco Polo school actively participated in raising awareness about marine pollution through educational events as part of the project. In May, a children’s event featuring the interactive game I Play and Protect the Sea was held in the botanical garden of Skalice elementary school. In October, students in Venice presented a game inspired by The Game of the Goose. This fun and educational experience attracted a large number of children and interested crown passing by, encouraging them to think about the importance of preserving the marine environment.
– It is disappointing that we only learned about the problem of marine litter through the ML-FREE project. Our education system is not heading in the right direction, we could have learned about these topics much earlier. I am grateful that we had the opportunity to educate elementary school students about marine litter and show them how we can all make a difference, – said Ana Vuković, student of the Economics and administration school in Split.
This project, that is coming to an end, is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021-2027 program. Its goal is to address the issue of marine litter through education and active participation of young people. Project’s ultimate aim is creating a society that will work on preserving the marine ecosystem.
