By implementing the MyHood project, we aimed to empower young people (13–18 years) to become active participants in shaping sustainable, greener urban environments. Our goal was to engage them in rethinking their neighborhoods, not just as places they live, but as spaces they can positively influence. Through the development of a tailored methodology, climate change education content, and an interactive digital tool, we wanted youth to better understand public spaces, environmental challenges, and how their voices matter in urban planning. We strived to motivate a deeper connection to their surroundings, encouraging personal responsibility and civic engagement. By using the MyHood tools, young people would gain the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of their cities, recognizing that their ideas and actions can have real impact.
We applied for the MyHood project to address the urgent need to actively involve young people (13–18 years) in shaping sustainable and climate-resilient urban environments. Youth often lack accessible tools and opportunities to participate in urban planning or understand how their actions relate to climate change. At the same time, urban planners rarely receive feedback from this age group, missing valuable perspectives. There is also a shortage of interactive, educational digital tools that combine environmental education with civic engagement. MyHood responded to these gaps by empowering educators (formal and informal), municipalities, and youth with a platform that fosters awareness, education, and participation. Our goal was to bridge the disconnect between young citizens and decision-makers, offering innovative methods to engage youth in imagining greener, more inclusive neighborhoods while increasing their climate literacy and civic responsibility.