Over 200 primary school students from 23 Skopje schools gathered at MKC on April 21 - World Creativity and Innovation Day - to devise green solutions for real ecological problems. The event "Zelenikx - from challenge to innovation" was organized by the Innovation Agency INOVA.

Teamwork, mentoring, and presentations before a jury were the formula. First prize for the most innovative eco-team went to Komenski Primary School from the municipality of Karposh. What exactly the kids came up with wasn't specified by the organizers, but the simple fact that 200 children from a dozen municipalities worked on concrete ecological projects matters more than the award.

Education Minister Vesna Janevska, INOVA Director Daniela Dimovska, and several mayors spoke at the opening. The formal part was brief - most of the day belonged to the students and their ideas.

In a country where environmental awareness typically ends with a Facebook post, 200 kids sitting down and searching for solutions is refreshing. The question is whether any of the adults will hear them.