The “Kreni na Zeleno” (Go Green) project, funded by the Erasmus+ program, stands as an inspiring example of how sustainability and inclusivity can come together to make a lasting impact. With a grant of €60,000, this small-scale partnership initiative ran from January to December 2023, uniting Croatia and Serbia to address climate change while empowering youth with disabilities (PwD).
Project Goals: A Greener, Inclusive Future
The primary objective of “Kreni na Zeleno” was to foster environmental awareness among young PwD and youth workers (YW). By focusing on education and activism, the project sought to:
- Equip young PwD and YW with knowledge about environmental protection.
- Advocate for sustainable practices within disability associations.
- Promote international cooperation and peer networking.
This effort aligned with global sustainability goals, including the European Green Deal and Croatia’s National Development Strategy 2030.
Key Activities: Education, Collaboration, and Advocacy
The project implemented a series of impactful activities:
- Educational Workshops: Covering topics like the European Green Deal, GreenComp, and eco-friendly business practices.
- Transnational Meetings: Partners from Croatia and Serbia exchanged insights through virtual and in-person collaborations.
- Sustainability Campaigns: PwD associations were encouraged to adopt green practices, supported by research, handbooks, and videos in Croatian and Serbian (with sign language translations).
- Inclusive Volunteering: Youth with disabilities led campaigns, inspiring broader community engagement.
- Study Visits: Participants explored sustainable mobility, assistive technologies, and advocacy methods.
Results: Paving the Way for Inclusive Green Action
The project achieved remarkable outcomes, including:
- Handbook for Green Business: A comprehensive guide for disability associations to implement sustainable practices.
- Increased Advocacy Skills: Young PwD and YW gained critical knowledge to drive positive change in their communities.
- International Networking: Established connections fostered long-term collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
Campaigns like European Mobility Week highlighted the role of inclusive transportation and green mobility, bringing visibility to the challenges faced by PwD while promoting sustainable solutions.
A Legacy of Change
“Kreni na Zeleno” demonstrated how empowering youth with disabilities to champion sustainability can create a ripple effect of positive change. By bridging inclusivity with environmental responsibility, the project not only inspired participants but also set a blueprint for future collaborations.
To learn more about this transformative initiative, visit the project website. Together, we can build a greener, more inclusive future.
