Project Information
Project Reference: 2023-3-EL02-KA153-YOU-000174713
Status: Completed
Duration: February 15, 2024 – February 14, 2025
EU Grant: €31,085
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Mobility of Youth Workers
Countries Involved: Greece, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Hungary, North Macedonia, Serbia
Background
The project Building a Future for Sustainability was created as a response to the growing environmental and climate crisis affecting societies across Europe and beyond. Young people and youth workers often express concern, stress and uncertainty about climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and overconsumption. The project recognised that education and youth work can play an important role in creating more sustainable lifestyles and communities.
The initiative focused on helping youth workers develop practical sustainability skills and creative methods that could later be used in local and international youth projects.
Objectives
The main objective of the project was to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to design innovative sustainability projects for young people. The training also aimed to introduce participants to the European GreenComp framework and improve their understanding of environmental responsibility.
Another important goal was to provide participants with practical tools based on the LEGO Serious Play methodology. Through this creative approach, youth workers learned how to develop ideas, improve teamwork and support young people in project planning and problem-solving activities related to sustainability.
Implementation
The main activity of the project was a six-day international training course organised in Nea Makri, Greece, in November 2024. The training gathered 32 participants from 10 European countries, including youth workers, trainers, volunteers, educators and NGO representatives.
The programme was based on non-formal education, experiential learning and self-directed learning methods. Participants joined workshops about sustainability, project management, creativity and youth participation. The LEGO Serious Play method was used throughout the programme to encourage innovative thinking and practical cooperation.
Learning Experience
Participants explored environmental, social and economic sustainability through interactive activities and group work. They designed sustainability-focused youth projects in international teams and discussed local environmental challenges in their own countries.
The training also helped participants improve important competences such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking and leadership. Many participants highlighted that the practical and creative learning environment made the activities more engaging and easier to apply in their daily youth work.
Results and Achievements
The project produced strong educational and community results. Participants gained new knowledge about sustainability and developed practical project management skills. They also learned how to use creative methods to involve young people in environmental actions and awareness campaigns.
After the training, participants organised workshops and dissemination activities in their local communities to share the knowledge and tools gained during the project. The consortium also used digital tools such as Padlet and Artsteps to create online exhibitions and share project outcomes with wider audiences across Europe.
Impact
The project created a strong European learning environment by bringing together participants from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds. This international cooperation encouraged the exchange of ideas, experiences and good practices related to sustainability and youth work.
Participants reported increased motivation to take action on environmental issues and to develop more sustainable youth initiatives in their organisations. The project also strengthened international partnerships and inspired future cooperation between the participating organisations.
Conclusion
Building a Future for Sustainability demonstrated how youth work and non-formal education can support environmental awareness and sustainable development. By combining creativity, international cooperation and practical learning methods, the project empowered youth workers to become active promoters of sustainability in their communities and future Erasmus+ projects.
