Instructions on Eco-Tropics, Warm Footwear, and Patching Up Craters
In Belarus, the youth are making a significant impact on various sectors, from mental health initiatives to eco-tourism, as showcased by the "100 Ideas for Belarus" project.
The project, one of the initiatives organized by the State Committee on Science and Technology, has seen over 17,000 ideas submitted in its 12-year history, with last season alone witnessing over 1,200 applications. Among these, 20 ideas progressed to the republican stage.
One of the standout success stories is Svetlana Dolyuk's BY Guide, a mobile app designed as a virtual navigator for eco-tourists in Belarus. The app, available on Android with 2,500 users, plans to expand to other platforms. It boasts a database of approximately 310 routes, with around 90 personally tested by Dolyuk's team and volunteers.
Another notable achievement is the SUNLITE mobile application, developed by Belarusian students. This app supports peer communication, mental health awareness, and coping strategies for anxiety and stress. It's a product of a UPShift social design training facilitated by the Belarusian State Pedagogical University and UNICEF Belarus.
The project also focuses on strengthening psychological resilience among young people in Minsk schools through elective classes on psychological well-being and peer support. These efforts have encouraged open discussions about mental health challenges.
Moreover, the project supports youth participation in sustainable development goals (SDGs), emphasizing inclusive decision-making, democratic governance, and youth empowerment as crucial components for achieving economic growth, education quality, well-being, and gender equality.
The new season of "100 Ideas for Belarus" is focusing on enterprise needs, aiming to present developments that are in demand in the real sector of the economy. One such innovation is Egor Zhukouski's asphalt composites for quick and effective road repairs. Suitable for small potholes up to 0.5 square meters or to fill cracks, these composites can be used in any weather conditions.
The project leader, Ekaterina Lakisova, has big plans for the new season. Winners can potentially move forward and compete for grants, or become residents of technoparks after gaining experience on this platform. There are 17 technoparks in Belarus.
The "100 Ideas for Belarus" project is a testament to the potential of young people in Belarus. As Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology, Sergei Shlychkov, emphasized, it's a good start for scientific activity. The First Secretary of the Central Committee of BRSM, Alexander Lukyanov, considers it a good opportunity for young people to showcase their talents and potentially advance their careers.
The innovations proposed by young people are in demand, as demonstrated by the exhibition "Intellectual Belarus." The collaboration with UN agencies and educational institutions indicates ongoing investment in youth capacities and leadership.
In conclusion, the "100 Ideas for Belarus" project is fostering youth-driven projects that integrate digital tools, climate awareness, and psychosocial support, setting a promising path for Belarus's future.
- The "100 Ideas for Belarus" project, in collaboration with UNICEF Belarus, has developed the SUNLITE mobile application, which focuses on mental health awareness and provides coping strategies for anxiety and stress within a peer-communication platform.
- Belarusian students have made strides in the field of technology with the creation of the Svetlana Dolyuk's BY Guide, a mobile app for eco-tourists, and Egor Zhukouski's asphalt composites for quick and effective road repairs, demonstrating the project's emphasis on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and enterprise needs.
- The home-and-garden sector is not left out as the project supports various lifestyle-related initiatives, such as the broadening of BY Guide app to other platforms and the development of sustainable infrastructure solutions like Zhukouski's asphalt composites.
