From June 28 to July 6, 2025, Filip and I were representing VCS and Macedonia at the “Leadership Goes Green” training course in Arrouquelas, Rio Maior, Portugal. The project was hosted by H2O Associação de Jovens de Arrouquelas, with one eco goal in mind – to gather young people from across Europe who are willing to make a positive change in their local environment.

Throughout the entire program, each participant had the opportunity to lead their group and gain experience in leading a diverse group of people from different backgrounds (social, financial, and religious). This is crucial for every one of us to see the burden that the leaders usually have to take to make their ideas/projects work and to make a meaningful impact in society.

We were learning through non-formal ways and different methods that gave us new ways of seeing things and realizing our strengths and flaws. The participants also got the chance to work on creating a digital campaign to raise awareness about the eco problem their communities are facing. Some activities were done in the local park, near the river bank, around the city and we were in direct contact with the locals who live there and showed interest in our live campaign. Most of the Rio Maior citizens wanted to talk with us about the topic and shared their ways of thinking, working and managing the problem that their city and country is facing.

One of the best methods that I personally liked and will use in the future is the 6 hats method. This method helps me to see the real picture behind every idea – to really see how possible that idea is in the moment and to be clear on the exact vision that I have in my mind. With clear vision, you can easily create a better plan and get better results. This session helped me realize that I was always looking at my ideas only through the Yellow (positive) and Green (creative) hat, but in life you need the other 4 hats – Blue (control/organization), Black (critical judgment), Red (intuition), White (facts & data) – to get clear vision.

I am really thankful that we got the chance to participate in this TC and want to say a big thank you to the organization, partners and everyone who participated in the whole activity. This week motivated and equipped me with new ideas and skills to continue my journey in creating a more eco-friendly society in my lovely country, Macedonia. Muito Obrigado!

Petar Stevanovikj