Closing Ceremony of the School Students鈥� Environmental Leadership Program at Elm Grove
June 8, 2026
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On June 1, the Sustainable AUCA initiative hosted the Closing Ceremony of the School Students鈥� Environmental Leadership Program at Elm Grove (Karagacheva Grove). The event took place at the AUCA Makerspace and brought together students, educators, environmental leaders, and project partners to celebrate the achievements of the program鈥檚 participants.
The Environmental Leadership Program was implemented from January to May 2026 in Elm Grove (Karagacheva Grove) in Bishkek. The initiative was organized by Sustainable AUCA in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republican Children and Youth Center for Ecology, Local Studies and Tourism, the Kyrgyz-French Ecotourism Association (AFKE), the administration of Elm Grove, and the AUCA Green Club.
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The ceremony was opened by AUCA President Timothy O'Connor, who expressed his gratitude to the organizers, partners, volunteers, and students for their dedication and commitment to environmental stewardship.
鈥淩estoring Elm Grove is an important initiative not only for the park itself, but for the entire city of Bishkek. I am proud that this effort has brought together not only AUCA students, but also school students from across the city. I would like to thank the representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic for supporting this initiative, because only by working together can we preserve nature for future generations,鈥� said President O'Connor.
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The primary goal of the program was to increase environmental awareness among school students, develop leadership skills, foster responsible attitudes toward the environment, and encourage youth participation in practical conservation initiatives. The project also aimed to create a network of active environmental clubs capable of implementing their own sustainability projects and community actions.
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More than 200 students from six schools in Bishkek participated in the program, including Schools No. 10, 16, 46, and 75, Chyngyz Aitmatov Sapat Lyceum, and the Salsabil Girls鈥� School. With the support of mentors and volunteers from the AUCA Green Club, Green Clubs were established in each participating school, creating opportunities for students to engage in environmental activities throughout the academic year.
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Over the course of five months, participants attended educational workshops, interactive lectures, and practical sessions covering climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, sustainable consumption, and the protection of natural areas. Students explored environmental challenges facing Bishkek and discussed potential solutions that could be implemented at the local level.
During the event, students presented the environmental projects they had developed throughout the program, sharing their experiences, achievements, and the impact of their initiatives. They also reflected on the collaborative activities, group discussions, and team-based challenges that helped strengthen their communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The closing ceremony marked the successful completion of a program that empowered young people to become environmental leaders within their schools and communities.
During the event, students presented the environmental projects they had developed throughout the program, sharing their experiences, achievements, and the impact of their initiatives. They also reflected on the collaborative activities, group discussions, and team-based challenges that helped strengthen their communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The closing ceremony marked the successful completion of a program that empowered young people to become environmental leaders within their schools and communities.
