Project Title: Green Spaces as Learning Environments: Designing Outdoor Lesson Plans and Activities for Youth Learning Overview: Utilizing the natural environment as a potent learning space offers a unique chance to actively immerse young people while weaving critical sustainability themes into the curriculum. The inherent sensory richness of outdoor settings offers a stimulating backdrop that aids in bridging theoretical knowledge with tangible real-world applications. This project, set to be conducted as a training course, is aimed at equipping youth workers in non-formal education to harness the potential of green spaces for learning, all the while accentuating sustainability principles. Overall Goal: To empower youth workers and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to effectively utilize green spaces as dynamic learning environments that emphasize sustainability, while fostering inclusion and reaching out to disadvantaged youth communities. Objectives: 1. To develop the proficiency of 34 youth workers and leaders from Slovakia, Armenia, Georgia, and Slovenia in using natural environments for educational purposes. 2. To integrate sustainability principles into outdoor lesson plans and activities tailored for youth. 3. To cultivate a sense of responsibility, leadership, and empowerment among participants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 4. To produce a comprehensive guide titled "Rooted in Nature: Best Practices for Outdoor Youth Education" as a key output of this project that documents best practices, methodologies, and lesson plans, ensuring a broader dissemination of the knowledge acquired during the training course. Training Course Details: Location: Yerevan, Armenia Date: 11-20 January 2025 Participants: 34 youth workers and leaders from Slovakia, Armenia, Georgia, and Slovenia. Importance of Inclusivity: It's imperative to involve individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from the disadvantaged communities, young ones from fractured or economically strained families, and survivors of geopolitical crises. These individuals, often marginalized, bring unique perspectives and resilience. By integrating them, we're not just offering them an avenue for personal and professional growth but also capitalizing on their lived experiences to enrich the training's content and discussions. Our aim is to transform these individuals into proactive youth leaders and workers, catalyzing positive change within their communities. Non-Formal Learning Methods and Trainers: The training course will employ an array of non-formal learning techniques such as: - Experiential Learning: Hands-on activities in green spaces to directly experience and apply knowledge. - Group Discussions: Facilitated sessions where participants share their experiences, ideas, and challenges. - Workshops: Thematic sessions where specific tools and methodologies related to outdoor learning are introduced and practiced. - Role Plays: Simulating real-life scenarios to foster empathy, problem-solving, and leadership skills. - Reflection Circles: Guided sessions for participants to introspect and understand their learning journey. The trainers engaged in this course will be experienced professionals in non-formal education, environmental studies, and sustainable development. They will also possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to teaching.