Students from Ruse Build Colorful Birdhouses as Part of Eco Education Project

“Atelier for Creative Ideas” implements environmental education initiative with support from the Vivacom Regional Grant

Over 90 birdhouses were built by 287 students in Ruse as part of the project “Little Eco Heroes”, implemented by the association “Atelier for Creative Ideas”. The initiative is supported by the Vivacom Regional Grant program, which funds impactful causes across Bulgaria in the fields of education and environmental protection. The project addresses two key issues: the shortage of nesting spaces for urban birds and the lack of education on sustainability and the environment at the primary school level. Through the active involvement of children, teachers, and parents, “Little Eco Heroes” creates a hands-on learning environment that fosters empathy for nature.

Thanks to the funding provided, the association hosted a series of workshops in nine schools across Ruse. Students assembled and decorated wooden birdhouses with the help of teachers and volunteers, while also learning valuable lessons about the lives of urban birds. A special role was played by students from the Josif Vondrak High School of Woodworking and Interior Architecture, who received their first lessons in pyrography.

The project will continue in the fall with workshops in seven more Ruse schools, engaging an additional 200 children. A total of 160 birdhouses will be installed, and 80 trees will be planted. Children will “adopt” the birdhouses they helped create and take care of them, developing a long-term sense of responsibility toward nature and the environment.

“Our project aims to address the visible lack of suitable nesting spaces in urban areas, as well as the need for more green spaces. By involving children and their teachers, we’re not just building birdhouses – we’re building a community of young environmental preservers,” said Elena Minkova from “Atelier for Creative Ideas”.

“Vivacom Regional Grant supports local organizations with big hearts, specifically those that create spaces for learning, empathy, and growth. We’re proud that, through this program, nearly 500 children in Ruse will become more engaged in preserving their city’s environment,” said Elitsa Georgieva, Corporate Communications Director at Vivacom.

The project will culminate in a short documentary video following the journey of the birdhouses – from creation to installation and their maintenance. The organization also plans to promote the initiative through its Facebook group, “The Little Eco Heroes of Ruse.”

“Little Eco Heroes” is one of ten projects that received grant support in the anniversary edition of the Vivacom Regional Grant. The program is implemented in partnership with the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) and, over the past ten years, has supported more than 120 projects nationwide with over BGN 700,000.