Location: UKRAINE
The Project
Access to knowledge can spark lasting change, especially when that knowledge empowers the next generation to protect the natural world. The idea for the “Environmental Library for Children and Youth” was born out of listening. “Children,” “Youth,” “Teachers,” and “Vulnerable families” inspired the team at the Youth Public Environmental Organization “Our Home – Manyava” to take action. In early 2023, during meetings with local families and educators, the need became painfully clear. “I cannot purchase the new books for my children because I don’t have money,” said Lena, a local mother. “New books cost more than 500 UAH per item. And for me, it is tough to watch how my children want to learn, but I can’t help them.” Teachers echoed these concerns. “In the newly created library, the students saw the new Red Book of Ukraine for the first time. There is a Red Book of Ukraine in our school, published in 1993,” said Natalia, a teacher at Manyava School. With support from volunteers and a newly developed fundraising strategy, the team renovated the library space and collected 1,450 ecological books from universities, libraries, and environmental organizations by the end of 2023.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The Pollination Project grant marked a turning point. With its support, the team purchased 212 modern, engaging books – many requested by the children themselves – and organized six interactive educational sessions for 150 children aged 9 to 16. Experts and teachers led discussions on regional biodiversity, plants as environmental indicators, and local conservation efforts. These activities not only deepened environmental knowledge but also brought together children from different backgrounds, including families displaced by conflict.
“Our library has become a space for the children where they can discuss environmental problems, develop new eco-initiatives, and improve their environmental knowledge through reading,” said Vasyl, the library coordinator. “Also, we know that reading and books are like art therapy, which helps the children to improve their mental health in such a hard time in Ukraine.” The project also encouraged dialogue with local officials, laying the groundwork for longer-term support for rural libraries.
The Future
Building on this momentum, the team plans to introduce English-language environmental books, develop a STEM lab for hands-on learning, and strengthen partnerships with supporters who share their mission. As the library continues to grow, it will serve not only as a place for reading but as a launchpad for young environmental leaders determined to protect their communities and the planet.
“Children are our future, and they are the changemakers of our life. If we involve children in environmental education, we will save our Earth in the future.”
Mykola Skydaniuk
Mykola Skydaniuk is an experienced project manager and fundraiser with over two decades of work in the nonprofit sector. Since 2003, he has designed and implemented 41 projects with the support of national and international donors, including UNDP, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, Slovak Aid, IREX, and others. As a skilled trainer, Mykola has led 34 workshops on project management, grant writing, and emotional intelligence in leadership. In 2019, he authored The List of Donors’ Resources, EU Program, and International Technical Assistance, a comprehensive guide for civil society organizations in Ukraine.
Mykola has completed 28 specialized online courses in project management and grant writing through institutions such as the University of Maryland, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Rochester Institute of Technology, USAID, DESPRO, Philanthropy University, and the Association of Ukrainian Cities. He currently serves as Director of the Youth Public Environmental Organization “Our Home – Manyava,” where he leads the organization’s fundraising strategy and oversees the development of community-based environmental initiatives.
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