Project Information:
Project Reference: 2024-1-FR02-KA153-YOU-000228750
Status: Ongoing
Duration: August 2024 – August 2025
EU Grant: 59,066 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Learning Mobility of Youth Workers
Countries Involved: France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, Spain, Romania
Background
Cities today are increasingly covered by concrete and asphalt, which creates environmental problems such as heat waves, flooding, air pollution, and loss of biodiversity. These issues affect people’s health and well-being, especially vulnerable groups. The Grey to Green project was created to respond to climate change by promoting greener and more sustainable ways of building and living.
Objectives
The project aims to raise environmental awareness among youth workers and strengthen their green skills. It supports participants in understanding sustainable construction, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions. Another key goal is to help youth workers guide young people toward responsible lifestyles and active citizenship focused on environmental care.
Implementation
The project is implemented as a 13-day international training course hosted at the Northern Lights farm in France. It brings together 35 youth workers from seven European countries. The training uses non-formal education, hands-on learning, and community living to create a deep and practical learning experience.
Key Activities
Participants take part in workshops on eco-construction, renewable energy, water management, and biobased materials. Activities include building a tiny house, creating rooftop gardens, learning about biogas systems, and practicing sustainable food preparation. The programme also includes team-building activities, intercultural evenings, and reflection circles to strengthen cooperation and communication.
Results
Youth workers gain practical skills in sustainable building and environmental education. They improve their professional, social, and communication competences and learn new methods to use in youth work. The project also creates strong international networks and open-source educational tools that can be shared with other organisations and communities.
Impact
The project contributes to greener, more resilient communities by empowering youth workers to act as environmental ambassadors. Participants transfer their knowledge to young people, including those with fewer opportunities. In the long term, Grey to Green supports sustainable development, community cohesion, and a stronger connection between people and nature across Europe.
