Earth and YOU(th) - Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

From the very first day, the goal of the Earth and YOU(th) project was to move beyond climate awareness towards meaningful action. We aimed this through a non-formal learning experience that made the learning process both relatable and engaging for all participants.

Throughout the week, participants took part in interactive workshops, group discussions, debates, simulations, and other, non-formal based activities. Through activities like plogging (Yes! collecting litter while jogging) in the nearby forest, recycling, green business model simulations, and upcycling workshops, participants experienced how local action contributes to a global impact.

We created a supportive environment through intercultural nights, reflection circles, and with a lot of group work, where every participant’s voice was valued. This process allowed participants to gain a better understanding of the environmental issues surrounding them and to develop stronger public speaking, entrepreneurship, and intercultural communication skills.

Among the most engaging sessions was the workshop on the “European Green Deal”, where participants explored sustainability strategies of the EU and discussed how these principles can be used within their own communities. The "Climate Activist Bootcamp" translated this thinking into action as participants formed the document “Our Green Policy,” which outlines recommendations across six core environmental areas. The Bootcamp gave participants the tools to promote green behaviour, organize local action, and promote environmental awareness through social media.

The transformation of participants experiencing “climate anxiety” into proactive agents of environmental change was at the heart of this project. Witnessing the personal development from feeling anxious and uncertain about their ability to act, to returning to their homes with increased confidence, stronger key competencies and a commitment to being a youth climate ambassador was one of the most meaningful outcomes of the project.

SOYA is extremely proud of all who participated in this project. Earth and YOU(th) was more than a youth exchange; it reaffirmed that Erasmus+ is a platform where young people with diverse backgrounds, but with a common goal, can connect, develop skills, and take collective action towards a greener future.

Thank you for all of our partners – Forgotten Folktales from Portugal; Satellite NGO from Ukraine; Verde: Research Center for Innovation and Sustainable Development from Greece and Sustainable Vibes APS from Italy.

The project has been supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program. Project code: 2024-3-HU01-KA152-YOU-000278667