(Slovakia) The project aimed to revitalize the neglected park at Hospital in Košice city in Slovakia, creating a peaceful space for patients, staff, and visitors to relax and recharge. Students from the Ecogirls team worked with the hospital’s horticultural staff to enhance the park by planting a herb garden, updating benches, and adding other green elements. The initiative was based on the belief that nature, alongside medicine, can improve mental health by reducing stress. The students were awarded a €400 mini-grant from the Green Foundation and raised an additional €1,040 through crowdfunding.
The project involved 31 students, 4 teachers, and 7 community members, with an estimated 5,000 future park users. The students mapped community needs and noticed that the park, with its neglected benches and desolate atmosphere, negatively impacted visitors‘ psychological well-being. They worked with hospital staff to design and plant the garden, aligning their plan with the park’s historical integrity.
Through the project, students gained practical skills in biodiversity, project management, budgeting, teamwork, and communication. They learned about the importance of nature in mental health, developed an understanding of biodiversity, and applied their knowledge through hands-on work. They also improved their digital skills while promoting the project through a crowdfunding campaign and learned how to advocate for their ideas.
The revitalized park included new benches, a herb garden, and a meadow zone, becoming a serene space for relaxation. The hospital staff and patients responded positively, with many appreciating the students‘ work. The project not only benefited the hospital community but also inspired similar initiatives in other local institutions. The students, having seen their efforts make a tangible impact, gained confidence, and a greater sense of responsibility and respect for nature. The director of UNLP thanked the school, noting that the park had become a true oasis of peace and relaxation.
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