The challenge
Air pollution in Warsaw is strongly linked to car dependency. Young people, just before making their first independent mobility choices, often perceive car ownership as a symbol of freedom and adulthood, while sustainable alternatives remain unattractive.

We worked with high school students as co-creators of change, supporting them to design and implement their own social campaigns addressing air quality and everyday transport choices. The project combined education, creative work, research, and civic engagement.

• Worked with 100 students from 9 high schools in Warsaw. 
• Provided workshops and mentoring with experts in activism, design, and communication. 
• Supported teachers as tutors through training and ongoing guidance. 
• Enabled youth-led campaigns in schools, public space, and online. 

  Results & outputs 

• 8 original social campaigns, including videos, performative actions, podcasts, posters, and a mobile app promoting public transport. 
• Over 1,000 signatures collected for a youth-led petition on safe and clean streets around schools.
  
• A research report based on a survey of 511 teenagers, mapping mobility habits and attitudes.Download the report: Youth mobility choices_report

WDECH showed that young people can be effective partners in addressing complex urban challenges. The project strengthened youth agency, introduced new narratives about mobility and clean air, and connected everyday choices with long-term urban sustainability.
City of Warsaw · Clean Air Fund (Breathe Cities) · Pacyfika Agency

SPOT O PROJEKCIE

City of Warsaw · Clean Air Fund (Breathe Cities) · Pacyfika Agency