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Youth for a Green and Healthy Future

2024-3-EL02-KA152-YOU-0002824972024Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: EL|GE|IT|HR|AM|DK · Grant: €29,568
Environment and climate changeGreen skillsPhysical and mental health, well-being

Objectives

We wrote and implemented this project because we faced two connected pressures: climate anxiety and mental health challenges. All partners agreed that in our local groups, in our target group we have the issues around this topic. We heard the same message from every partner. We all agreed that young people must have practical tools. They need to learn in different ways, with different methods. School information and the theoretical part are not enough. It is important that they feel they can act and that they are a main part of society. They are the ones who make changes. We chose to address the link between greener living and emotional well-being. With our partner and with this project we wanted to move from fear to action and we wanted to contribute to making positive changes in youth and in our target group. We wanted clear, practical change in our young people and in our organisations. We aimed to show, through real experience, that sustainable habits can support mental health. We wanted participants to increase their skills, to gain experience to become more open and confident to make steps and to be active citizens. We set up a focused youth exchange in Kobuleti, Georgia. The YE united 30 youth and 6 group leaders from six countries. We wanted to connect simple green practices—movement, time outdoors, low-waste choices—with healthy mindsets. For this, we used non-formal education, outdoor tasks, and peer-led sessions and we linked personal change with community action. Our YE aims were concrete. We wanted participants to understand the sustainability–well-being link in practical terms. We aimed to build confidence, teamwork, and facilitation skills. We wanted to give theoretical information, practical skills, big motivation, and real examples to young people to start acting, to be multipliers to start making positive changes. We also wanted visible results that travel home. During the exchange, each national team created materials, activities, articles, bookmarks, motivational posters. After the exchange, they used these products in their local community. Also, we wanted to have a big impact on local society for this we planned at least one follow-up action in each country to keep momentum. We worked to grow our “Youth for a Green and Healthy Future” network and to reach peers, families, and local stakeholders with a positive message: small steps matter. We targeted impact inside our organisations too. We tested and refined our methods. We agreed on a shared approach to green practices during our work (one of them is shared in the question about eco friendly approach). We improved partner coordination and built a model we can repeat in future projects. We strengthened our support for young people who feel stress and eco-anxiety, with clear roles and safer procedures. We wanted our youth to feel better and act greener—and to inspire others to do the same. We used the youth exchange and follow up activities as the tools to equip them with healthy habits, practical skills, and a European peer network. Our objectives were To raise awareness about the connection between mental health and environmental sustainability. To create a network of “Youth for a Green and Healthy Future,” encouraging participants to continue their efforts after the project ends. To empower participants to share knowledge through blogs, motivational videos, and community campaigns. To promote Erasmus+ opportunities and lifelong learning, motivating participants to engage in future educational exchanges. To strengthen intercultural understanding, helping participants break down stereotypes and build solidarity. To provide practical experience in organizing and leading activities, preparing participants to lead local events after the project. To promote resilience and mental health strategies that participants can apply in their daily lives. To empower youth as advocates for mental health and environmental sustainability, encouraging them to become leaders in their communities.

Project partners (6)