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Rural SustainABILITY

2021-2-DE04-KA153-YOU-0000409472021Mobility of youth workersfinalizedGood practice
Countries: DE|PL|ES|FR|SI|SE|IT · Grant: €29,406
Quality and innovation of youth workEnvironment and climate changeDevelopment of disadvantaged rural and urban areas

Objectives

Our project was born from a deep-seated concern echoed by global leaders and experts about the urgency of addressing sustainability and sustainable development in our societies. As highlighted by the World Economic Forum's Global Risks report of 2019, sustainable practices are crucial for maintaining peace and prosperity. Our primary objective was to leverage these urgent calls for action to cultivate a more sustainable Europe, particularly focusing on supporting disadvantaged youth in rural areas. With a keen awareness of the challenges faced in rural regions—such as loss of opportunities, political radicalization, and exclusion—we aimed to understand and empower sustainable socio-cultural learning centers. We believe these centers can serve as beacons of hope, drawing in at-risk youth and empowering them to engage in sustainable practices and to explore green job opportunities. Central to our approach was harnessing the international and intercultural environment facilitated by our project to delve into environmental issues on a global, European, and local scale. We sought to introduce participants to the holistic principles of Permaculture, providing them with tools to analyze and design sustainable systems. Recognizing the importance of exchange within international networks, we aimed to foster dialogue about holistic design and practical solutions. Moreover, we aimed to address the growing demand for green job opportunities by equipping youth workers with hands-on experience in eco-building and sustainable development practices. By showcasing the potential of rural areas for fulfilling and sustainable work, we hoped to forge lasting connections between rural learning hubs and disadvantaged youth. Ultimately, our goal was to contribute to the transition towards a sustainable future by empowering rural youth at risk. Through non-formal education and practical skills development, we aimed to instill resilience and agency in these young individuals, reducing the risk of radicalization and fostering active citizenship. Our project aimed to achieve the following outcomes: - Enhance the professional development of youth work, education, and training in rural areas. - Develop & utilize innovative approaches for non-formal group work tailored for addressing sustainability with youth at risk. - Provide practical skills and knowledge to involve youth at risk in sustainable transformation. - Create safe spaces for meaningful activities, professional exchange, and self-expression. - Equip participants with the tools to analyze, design, and debrief sustainable projects. - Offer insights into social entrepreneurship and connections to the green labor market. Through these efforts, we aimed to empower youth at risk to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives while contributing positively to their communities in a sustainable manner.

Project partners (7)