In an era of accelerated consumption and disposable solutions, rediscovering traditional skills has become a necessity. Sewing, although increasingly rare in everyday life, offers answers to the challenges of modern society — from environmental preservation to improving mental health.
Through sewing, we learn patience, develop fine motor skills and creativity, and question the impact of fast fashion. Instead of buying, we create and repair, thus shifting from the role of consumer to that of producer. That’s exactly why Sunce launched the project ŠIZIKA.
The name ŠIZIKA is an acronym derived from the Croatian words for Sewing, Patches, and Creative Activities, and the project is designed to bring this valuable and necessary skill closer to young people. Through workshops, educational programs, and volunteering, participants will gain practical skills, develop environmental awareness, and contribute to their communities.
A special focus is placed on understanding the problems of fast fashion — its impact on the environment, natural resources, and working conditions. Local school students will visit a textile factory, and the public will be engaged through an exhibition and organized clothing repair sessions.
ŠIZIKA is not just a sewing project — it’s a movement for a more sustainable, mindful, and creative future.
Project objectives
General Objective:
To develop the skills and attitudes of young people for active engagement in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Specific Objectives:
- Building youth skills for integrating various elements of sustainable development into everyday and social life, with a focus on climate and environmental protection. The project encourages young people to adopt sustainable practices through sewing workshops and education on fast fashion in a partner high school. Besides acquiring useful skills, participants will develop awareness of responsible resource management and environmental preservation. The project includes a study trip and knowledge exchange to strengthen social connections and foster active community contributions.
- Empowering (mentoring) youth to carry out community-based activities aligned with sustainable development goals and encouraging them to take on the role of active citizens. Using participatory methods, the project involves youth in environmental protection and promotion of sustainable practices. For Fashion Revolution Day, a public event will be organized, featuring an exhibition, clothing repair station, and swap fair, accompanied by an online campaign. These activities promote responsible consumption, waste reduction, and critical thinking about fast fashion.
- Improving youth employability through active volunteering. During sewing workshops, young participants will become familiar with the project goals, especially the importance of sustainable fashion and environmental protection. Volunteers with sewing experience will be involved in the workshops, and 2–3 of them will receive additional training to independently lead future activities. The project also targets vocational school students in their final years, who will improve their skills and employability through non-formal education. The project aligns with the National Youth Program, contributing to increased youth participation in society.
Project activities:
- Call for participation and selection of participants
- Sewing workshops
- Educational workshops
- Study trips
- Communication activities
- Long-term volunteering program
- Public events – Swap Fair, Clothing Repair Station, Fashion Revolution Day exhibition
- Project promotion and visibility
Project holder:
Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce
Project partners:
Info zona, School of Fine Arts Split, Natural Science School Split
Project duration:
24 months (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2027)
Project budget:
€23,500.00 (Ministry of Science, Education and Youth)
Project manager at Sunce:
Margita Radman, Head of Education and Information Department
[email protected]
Contact person: Domagoj Goreta, Assistant at Education and Information Department
[email protected]
