Excessive waste disposal is one of the biggest problems on our planet, threatening the healthy environment of future generations and contributing to dramatic climate change. Sadly, the items we consume are often found in landfills that could have been reused, which would reduce environmental pollution and promote a healthy environment. Excess waste is a problem of every single person, community and country, but sadly in some social groups this topic is never developed or forgotten as there are “more important” issues to resolve. The creation of crafts and different types of art is a main activity for most youngsters attending day centers or other structures. However, how many have a chance to reflect on the sustainability of their crafts? How many of them have the freedom and the opportunity to suggest their own approach to crafts? This is why by having a hetereogeneos group in the exchange we wanted to turn this project into not only a learning opportunity on environmental issues but also a chance to face the diversity and challenge the existing stereotypes. Besides the obvious and visible material problems, there are those of mental wellbeing - stress, anxiety, and emotional instability, which accompany modern life, often hinder the development of youth. By purchasing ready-made products, the opportunities for creativity and the use of one's own resources in favor of oneself are reduced. Everyday stress young people experience trying to find their own space in an always changing world is alarming. With the reduced space to express creativity, young people face many difficulties adapting or even entering into the labor market. We can see it with the ongoing or past crisis, that young people are the ones who suffer the most. By sharing different approaches towards waste elimination by their own actions, as the creative thinking, craft and art can be one of the key tools to reduce stress and anxiety, Regarding youth exchange we wanted to: - address young people to promote creative thinking through craft as a tool of mindfulness and self awareness, which will make it possible to deal with everyday problems and tensions. - Initiating behavioral changes related to excessive consumption are crucial if we want to have a safe and clean future world. - teach how we can reduce pollution with our own capabilities; - raise awareness about what can be created with already used items can change the perspective and daily actions of many people, which will eventually lead to a change in behavior. This came in light especially in the times of self-isolation and the closure of the borders – inner and outer. Reusable objects we can find at home, makes the materials needed for creativity easily accessible and, most important - affordable, even when one cannot leave your house or your town. The question comes up – if one can one use his interest into ecology and sustainability and make a living out of it? Transforming items with your own resources requires a minimal skill set and encouragement. So we chose an artistic approach to this project as art and creativity is not limited by words, it encourages a non-verbal expression and promotes a possibility to create a deeper, more personal connection between participants, not taking in consideration their social or intellectual differences or challenges. Through this project, we posed the objectives to: - raise awareness of young people about sustainability issues in Europe - raise the level of knowledge among young people about the up-cycling and reducing of consumption; - challenge participants creativity, critical and alternative thinking towards the reuse of everyday objects; - Exchange the good practices and ideas regarding sustainability of different countries and regions of Europe; - Promote of circular economy and sustainable, local business models; - Encourage peer to peer education - the possibility for young people to learn from each other, take initiative and look for solutions together ; - Stimulate inclusion and active participation of youngsters with fewer opportunities; - Develop a new level of partnership between existing partners to continue on new and different quality projects in the future; - Improve participants communication skills in different intercultural and societal environments;
One of the greatest threats to humanity in the modern world is the well-known waste problem. Excessive use of natural resources and reckless consumer behaviors are increasingly growing the number of landfills, which in itself contributes to dramatic climate change and threatens the future of humanity. Understanding our own role in these chain reactions and coming out of this harmful lifestyle is one of the ways that can change people’s lives and make a positive impact on climate change. By using our own resources, we can freely change this situation for the better by reusing items at home. Young people who have to live in a highly competitive environment, where unemployment is often the biggest problem, face serious mental and emotional problems. One of the best ways to deal with stress and anxiety is to use a craft that helps people relax at the expense of aesthetic satisfaction. In order for people to create their desired item, that has practical purpose and would also satisfy the aesthetic needs of him/herself, it is not necessary to go to the store to buy new things, instead simply use the items from our home. By using simple tools and skills, potential garbage can be transformed as a new object with new purpose and this simple activity can encourage young people to relax from daily problems and find mental peace and balance. People with fewer opportunities are often excluded from the active life of society, which is one of the familiar problems. Through the Youth Exchange Program, we want to address this issue and promote the active involvement of people with fewer opportunities in public life. During the project, they will acquire the qualities and practical skills that will be useful for their daily lives. Often young people face unemployment and constant rejection, but throughout the project we want to encourage youngsters by the motto “When there is no opportunity, create your own one!”. Art and creativity is a powerful tool to fight against unemployment and self doubts, participants will be encouraged with the base skill kit and tools to create simple magic on their own. Exchanging practices can increase opportunities for everyone, especially when young people are coming from different countries and different backgrounds. The outcome of the project can be astonishing.