In a time when environmental challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, Scream of Environment emerged as a youth-led initiative aiming to foster ecological awareness and action across Europe. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme under the action Learning Mobility of Individuals, this two-year project (2022–2023) mobilized young people from five different countries, empowering them to become active participants in building a sustainable future.
A Global Crisis, A Local Response
The project was born from a pressing need: the ongoing degradation of natural ecosystems due to unchecked industrialization, population growth, and urban expansion. As climate change and environmental destruction continue to threaten life on Earth, the creators of Scream of Environment aimed to reverse the damage—starting with raising awareness among youth.
This initiative sought to address core environmental issues such as afforestation, soil preservation, water conservation, and biodiversity protection. But beyond knowledge-sharing, the project placed a strong emphasis on advocacy, encouraging young participants to take part in decision-making processes related to sustainability and environmental policy.
Goals Rooted in Education and Empowerment
While the project focused primarily on environmental concerns, it was also deeply committed to the personal and professional development of its participants. By engaging in this experience, young people were introduced to the broader values of European citizenship and shared cultural identity. Each participant received a Youthpass certificate, helping them document and reflect on the skills they acquired.
The project’s key objectives included:
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Raising environmental consciousness among young people.
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Promoting recycling and conscious consumption habits.
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Engaging youth in sustainable practices and ecological dialogue.
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Encouraging youth participation in societal and environmental decision-making.
Implementation: From Planning to Action
Scream of Environment consisted of two main activities. The first was an Advance Planning Visit (APV), which took place in Istanbul, Türkiye from September 30 to October 2, 2022. Representatives from each of the five partner countries gathered to discuss logistics, responsibilities, and safety considerations to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
The second and central activity was a youth exchange program, also hosted in Istanbul. Although originally planned for Lviv, Ukraine, the venue was changed due to the war in Ukraine and approved by the Belgian National Agency. Each partner country sent five young participants and one group leader. The selection process prioritized environmentally conscious youth who demonstrated strong motivation toward environmental advocacy.
Using non-formal education techniques—ranging from games and artistic expression to interactive presentations—the exchange created an inclusive and engaging space for learning. Participants explored topics like recycling, responsible use of natural resources, and the emotional benefits of connecting with nature.
Tangible Impact and Lasting Lessons
By the end of the project, the impact was clear. Participants not only expanded their environmental knowledge but also developed a deeper sense of responsibility and empathy toward the planet. The most appreciated sessions, according to the final evaluations, were those focused on recycling practices and sustainable living methods.
Beyond individual growth, Scream of Environment successfully built a network of young eco-advocates who are now equipped with the tools, motivation, and EU-wide connections to make a real difference in their communities. Through this project, the power of youth in shaping a greener future has never been more evident.
