Back to search

(My) Heart for Eco-circularity!

2024-1-NL02-KA152-YOU-0002337592024Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: NL|EL|HU|IT|AT · Grant: €36,033
Green skillsInclusion of marginalised young peopleCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

The Youth Exchange "My(Heart) for Eco-Circularity," held in Assel, the Netherlands, from August 3-12 (including travel days), aimed to foster sustainability and empower young people to adopt and promote greener lifestyles. The project’s core objectives were to encourage participants to recognize ecological challenges, share sustainable practices, inspire one another, interpret actionable "green" strategies, and actively engage in creating positive environmental change within their communities—where they live, study, and work. We aimed to create a learning space where participants could share sustainable practices, inspire each other, and develop concrete tools like green checklists and action plans to use in their everyday lives and organizations. Bringing together 33 young people and youth leaders from Austria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands, the exchange cultivated an inclusive, relaxed, and dynamic environment for reflection on sustainability’s vital role. Another key priority was ensuring the participation of youth with fewer opportunities, with at least two or three such individuals from each partner country, enriching the group with diverse perspectives and experiences. The project united participants and partners deeply committed to sustainability, who actively contributed from the outset and pledged to sustain their efforts beyond the exchange. Many participants even spearheaded sustainability initiatives within their own organizations. Through playful, non-formal learning methods, the project enabled participants to: - Identify ecological issues, climate change, and their global impact. - Exchange sustainable practices from their personal lives and organizations, sparking mutual inspiration. - Develop practical "green" guidelines, checklists, and action plans for future efforts. - Take concrete steps toward eco-friendly lifestyles and initiatives, with a focus on supporting those with fewer opportunities. - To enhance inclusion, preparation, and engagement, the project incorporated three online meetings and a preparatory session prior to the exchange. These steps bolstered participant involvement and provided tailored support, particularly for those facing barriers, ensuring a more impactful experience. Intercultural Exchange and learning was a cornerstone of the exchange, with participants sharing cultural traditions through food, drinks, and art, fostering mutual respect and understanding. The project also aligned with the European Green Deal, connecting sustainability to well-being, health, and social responsibility. Through debates and discussions on topics like healthy living, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles, and sustainable growth, participants proposed actionable solutions for a better future. Ultimately, the project sought to spark meaningful change in participants’ personal lives while equipping them to drive sustainability in their communities and organizations. By empowering young people to address environmental concerns, share and inspire eco-friendly practices, and embrace eco-circularity, the initiative promoted responsible behavior on both individual and collective levels—cultivating a lasting commitment to a greener world.

Project partners (5)