"Nature Day"- Allan Cawrse

The "Nature Day" program takes children outdoors each weekend to reveal nature's secrets. Protecting the environment is the focus of our activities. We teach children to love and conserve nature because we are all an inseparable part of it. Climbing the top of "Kozuf" mountain,planting flowers and trees, water testing of Vardar river, trash cleanup, learning about recycling and visiting local farms and factories are just part of the activities our children do. In 2017, our new laboratory allows children to learn about the natural sciences through hands-on experiments. We organize over 100"Nature days"per year, and from 2008, over 750 children have participated.
The Nature Day program was created to support children identified by the Gevgelija Social Services, especially those who face challenging circumstances—children with special needs, survivors of domestic violence, abused children, and young people coping with psychological trauma.
Our mission is to help these children connect, grow, and feel included. Through fun and educational outdoor activities, we bring together kids from Gevgelija aged 6–14 to explore nature, learn new skills, and build friendships. Activities include easy hikes, nature field trips, and visits to ranches, farms, factories, and museums. We also organize interactive games focused on nature, ecology, and environmental awareness.
A key part of the Nature Day program is psycho-sociological support. By encouraging teamwork, confidence, and acceptance, we ensure that children with special needs participate as equal partners in every activity.
Environmental education is at the heart of what we do. Children learn about recycling—especially plastic—through hands-on games and creative workshops. Participants have already taken part in community clean-up actions and helped distribute educational materials on recycling around the municipality.
The Apollonia Foundation plans to expand the program so that more children from Gevgelija, as well as neighboring areas like Bogdanci and Dojran, can join. We aim to introduce recycling initiatives in all local schools and strengthen collaboration across the region.
To keep growing, the program needs greater professional support, reliable transportation, quality teaching materials, and motivational resources. With these, Nature Day will continue to inspire children, build confidence, and create a healthier, more connected community.