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REACHY: Regeneration and Empowerment Actions for Community and Youth

2023-3-IT03-KA152-YOU-0001726952023Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: IT|NO|EL|FR|XK|ES · Grant: €22,650
Environment and climate changePhysical and mental health, well-beingGreen skills

Objectives

REACHY, acronym for “Regeneration and Empowerment Actions for Community and Youth,” was conceived to address a series of challenges that young Europeans face in today’s world. At its core, the project aimed to strengthen participants’ well-being and promote a culture of environmental responsibility, combining the principles of permaculture with self-care practices to build a bridge between personal well-being and community life, with a particular focus on rural regeneration and the fight against eco-anxiety. Our primary goal was to offer a welcoming and educational environment where young people could acquire practical ecological skills while also improving their emotional resilience and social engagement. More specifically, we wanted participants to internalize knowledge and skills related to permaculture, green practices, and self-care, using non-formal education methodologies. Through workshops, group exchanges, team-building activities, and hands-on work, the project aimed to demonstrate that the health of ecosystems and the well-being of individuals are deeply interconnected: the more sustainable lifestyles are adopted, the more vibrant communities and personal growth are supported. A key objective was to counter the growing psychological challenges, isolation, and eco-anxiety that many young Europeans are experiencing. Through meditation sessions, mindfulness practices, and outdoor activities, the project aimed to show how mental support, combined with tangible ecological solutions, can offer a unique approach to youth empowerment. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their sources of daily stress and to discover how reconnecting with nature—through gardening, composting, caring for the soil, or simply walking in the woods—can be an effective tool for managing anxiety and cultivating a shared sense of purpose. At the same time, we aimed to build an international network of young people motivated to create positive social and ecological impact. By inviting youth from various European countries, including those with fewer opportunities, REACHY sought to foster a community of peers who could support one another and return to their home contexts equipped to apply what they had learned. The idea was that participants could benefit from one another’s experiences while replicating or adapting best practices in both urban and rural settings, contributing to the spread of a cooperative community model. Equally central was environmental education and the development of green skills. The project aimed to share knowledge about regenerative agriculture, water conservation, and forest gardening, showing how these methods can help revive rural economies and biodiversity. The goal was to provide participants with practical, transferable skills—from permaculture design to soil stewardship—while linking them to intercultural exchange, teamwork, and international networking. A key element of REACHY was the use of non-formal learning and direct experience. The workshops and sharing circles were designed to stimulate self-reflection, collective problem-solving, and active participation as core tools for personal development. Each day included moments of reflection and feedback collection, helping participants to internalize what they had learned. This methodological approach is fully aligned with the Erasmus+ mission: to offer personal and professional growth opportunities through collaborative, cross-border projects that promote diversity and inclusion. Another important focus was fostering collaboration among youth organizations. By involving partners from different countries, we aimed to encourage the exchange of knowledge on environmental education, rural development, and mental health promotion. Through REACHY, we hoped to lay the groundwork for strong partnerships, where each territory could showcase effective strategies and practices, paving the way for new joint projects. Finally, the project aimed to support the local development of Buccino, a town in the province of Salerno where the activities took place. Initially, the plan was to work in Sasso di Castalda, but due to logistical reasons, the decision was made to move to Buccino. Rather than being a limitation, this change enriched the experience: it allowed participants to live in close connection with the area where Mòvesi regularly operates. The arrival of a multicultural group sparked curiosity and engagement among local residents, creating new opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.

Project partners (6)