Lighthouse of Knowledge 2022

Dear friends, dear donors,

We are proud to share with you our eleventh report, marking yet another important milestone in the development of the Lighthouse of Knowledge project.

As we prepare to launch the ninth generation of the program this fall/winter, we reflect on the incredible journey so far and the impact made by the previous cohorts. Building on valuable feedback from participants, mentors, and partners, we are working on upgrading the program’s thematic areas and project work to better align with emerging societal challenges and current trends.

The winning project of the eighth generation – Eco-Challenge – is now in its final stage and has already delivered remarkable results. Through an educational waste-sorting competition for elementary school students, the team from Leskovac has engaged schools and communities to collect over 200 kilograms of recyclable waste so far, with expectations for even greater outcomes. The project combines practical environmental impact with interactive learning, promoting responsible habits among youth.

We are equally proud of the third-place project, Seeds of Ecological Change, implemented in Vranje by a team of four high school students. Initially designed as an educational initiative in a local kindergarten, the project grew into a city-level ecological action, thanks to the support of Sekopak, one of the leading environmental campaigns in Serbia.

The project included:

• Installation of recycling bins,

• Creative workshops and ecological games,

• A children’s play titled “Sort Your Packaging and Send It for Recycling”,

• A public exhibition and mural painting by a local artist,

• Symbolic eco-gifts by Bambi,

• And a planned tree planting activity in the fall.

This project is a wonderful example of how a powerful idea can unite an entire community around a common environmental goal.

As we look ahead, the ninth generation is shaping up to be our most ambitious yet, with enhanced content, new thematic explorations, and broader regional outreach. We’re excited for what lies ahead—and grateful to have you by our side as we continue empowering young people to create meaningful change.

Thank you for your ongoing support. If you have any questions, ideas, or would like to get more involved, we’re always happy to hear from you.

With appreciation,
The ASK team

Dear friends, dear donors,

We are proud to share with you our tenth report, reflecting another important milestone in the development of the Lighthouse of Knowledge project.

Since our previous update, we have successfully completed the eighth generation of the program and are currently working on the preparation of the ninth generation. The feedback gathered from participants, partners, and our organizing team has been carefully analyzed and is now shaping the concept and structure of the upcoming cycle. Our goal remains the same – to empower even more young people across Serbia and beyond to become active changemakers in their communities.

The eighth generation brought together 40 young individuals from 10 cities, who learned how to identify problems, create impactful project ideas, and lead change. Ecology was the most prominent topic this year, inspiring innovative, sustainable local initiatives.

The winning project, Eco-Challenge, from the team in Leskovac, is currently being implemented. This educational competition promotes responsible waste disposal and environmental awareness among elementary school students. Smart waste sorting bins will be placed in three schools, and a three-month competition will reward the school with the highest amount of properly sorted waste with a smart garden that purifies air. The project combines interactive learning with real environmental impact, addressing pollution and fostering responsible habits from a young age.

We are also proud to share that the Eco-Challenge project had an outstanding media campaign, with over 10 guest appearances in national and local media, more than 30 published articles, and exceptional visibility on social media, reaching over one million people. This level of outreach not only amplified the project’s message but also positioned young people as credible voices of change in their communities.

As part of our efforts to reflect, inspire and celebrate progress, we premiered a documentary film titled Bridge of Generations. This film captures the journey of Lighthouse of Knowledge from its early beginnings to the present day, showcasing the transformation, growth, and collective impact of all generations involved. The film serves as a powerful reminder of how one idea can spark a movement – a movement that empowers youth, connects communities, and encourages lasting change. Through personal stories, shared successes, and meaningful experiences, BRIDGE OF GENERATIONS, builds a bridge between generations, underlining the importance of continuity, mentorship, and shared values in creating a better future.

As we move forward, preparations for the ninth generation are in full swing, and we are excited to announce that we are planning to expand the project to a new country in the region, further amplifying our reach and mission.

We at ASK remain deeply grateful for your continued support. Together, we are not just running a program—we are building a movement.

Should you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Kind regards,

Links:

• Interview with Project Leader
• Short movie "Bridge of generations"