Project Information
Project Reference: 2024-2-SK02-KA152-YOU-000258260
Status: Completed
Duration: Nov 1, 2024 – Oct 31, 2025
EU Grant: 35,283 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Mobility of Young People (Youth Exchange)
Countries Involved: Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Romania, Lithuania, Slovenia, Hungary
Project Background
The project “Eco-preneurs” was created in response to the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by young people living in rural and less developed areas of Europe. Many of them experience unemployment, limited opportunities, and low motivation, which often leads to young people leaving their home regions in search of better futures elsewhere.
Project Aim
The main aim of the project was to show young people that rural communities can offer real opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship. The project encouraged participants to see environmental challenges not only as problems, but also as opportunities to create useful and responsible solutions for their local communities.
Main Objectives
The project focused on several key goals. It aimed to develop participants’ understanding of green entrepreneurship, circular economy, and sustainable living. It also supported the growth of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, planning, and leadership, which are important for both employment and active participation in community life.
Learning Process
The project was based on non-formal education methods, which made learning practical, interactive, and engaging. Participants worked in international teams, joined discussions and simulations, and reflected on their own ideas and experiences. This approach helped them connect environmental topics with entrepreneurship in a way that felt realistic and useful.
Implementation of the Exchange
The youth exchange took place from 14 to 21 June 2025 in Kaluža, Slovakia. It brought together 37 participants from seven countries, including 29 young people, 7 group leaders, and 1 expert facilitator. Special attention was given to inclusion, and many participants came from rural areas or faced social, economic, or geographical barriers.
Key Activities
The programme was divided into several thematic parts. First, participants took part in team-building and intercultural activities to create trust and cooperation. They also developed a shared group code based on democracy, respect, and inclusion, which helped create a safe and supportive learning environment.
Entrepreneurship and Critical Thinking
One important part of the project focused on environmental entrepreneurship and critical thinking. Participants explored ideas for sustainable businesses and learned how to identify greenwashing, or false ecological marketing. Through creative workshops and brainstorming activities, they developed ideas for eco-friendly solutions that could work in rural communities.
Field Visits and Practical Inspiration
A very valuable part of the project was the opportunity to visit local examples of sustainable entrepreneurship. Participants visited the Orechová local wine production, where they learned how environmentally responsible business can support both local economy and landscape protection. They also visited the Animotherapy and Riding Centre MVDr. Juška in Snina, which showed how rural services, animal care, and agritourism can be successfully connected.
Community Engagement
The project also included contact with the local community. Participants gave an interactive presentation at a secondary school in Snina, where they introduced the project and shared information about Erasmus+ opportunities. This helped inspire local young people and showed them that international learning and mobility are possible even for youth from smaller towns and villages.
Reflection and Recognition
Reflection was an important part of the exchange. Every day, participants had time to discuss what they had learned and how they had developed. At the end of the project, they worked with the Youthpass process, which helped them identify and recognise their new competences, skills, and personal progress.
Project Results
The project had a strong positive impact on participants. Many of them improved their understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship and became more confident in their ability to create change in their communities. They also developed stronger communication skills, better teamwork, more self-confidence, and a deeper sense of European identity and shared values.
Impact on Organisations and Community
The project also strengthened cooperation between the partner organisations and helped them exchange useful methods for working with young people. At the local level, the project supported awareness of environmental responsibility and promoted local examples of good practice. It also gave visibility to rural regions as places with potential for innovation and community development.
Conclusion
Overall, “Eco-preneurs” was an inspiring and practical project that connected environmental awareness with entrepreneurship, inclusion, and youth empowerment. It showed young people that rural areas can be places of opportunity, creativity, and positive change. The project helped participants build skills, confidence, and motivation to shape a more sustainable future in their own communities.
