Soil is home of 25% of living creatures on Planet Earth, including microbes, fungi and insects - yet it is almost invisible to us. Understanding the creatures, microorganisms and how they work in the soil is key to understanding life itself. HEALTHY SOIL is essential for both present and future sustainability. 95% of our food comes from crops grown in the soil, so soil is an essential resource. But despite its importance, soil is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Recognition of its value and the life it sustains is essential for action that will POSSIBLY IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS. We have designed this Youth Exchange programme where participants will learn about the intensive but invisible processes that take place in the soil, UNDERSTAND the importance of healthy soil life and the processes that have led to the degraded soils of our time. We want to PRESENT and SHARE good examples and practices that will motivate participants to take individual and collective action. Artistic approaches and tools will be used to work on the theme, helping to develop different understandings and giving space for SELF EXPRESSION. Our GOALS: - UNDERSTANDING SOIL LIFE AND DEEPENING THE KNOWLEDGE - Exploring the fundamental role of soil life and its role in sustaining ecosystems, understanding the cause-effect of soil erosion and soil degradation - INTEGRATION OF ART AND SOIL LIFE - Art is seen as an experimental tool to better understand the fascinating world of soil life. Participants are encouraged to express themes and feelings about soil life through artistic expressions such as clay modelling and painting, performing and writing art, etc. - DEVELOPING PRACTICAL SKILLS - We will equip participants with tangible methods of soil-friendly practices, including balcony and urban gardening, composting and growing micro-vegetables on composted soil, which they can apply in their own communities and in their daily lives. - Using DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS to make a BIGGER IMPACT - We want our messages about improving soil life to reach as many people as possible. We are planning a social media campaign on social media channels during the youth exchange to share the knowledge we have gained during the programme and engage a wider audience in sustainable soil practices. - STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS - Future cooperation between participating organisations is planned and we want to encourage knowledge exchange, sharing of good practices and joint future initiatives in the field of sustainability and youth work. - Involve local communities (Budapest and Etyek) - We want to INSPIRE AND INVITE local youth (Messzelátó's youth group) and stakeholders (other NGOs working on related projects, experts, artists, trainers) in LONG-TERM LEARNING and PARTICIPATION on soil sustainability, ensuring that the impact of the project goes beyond the duration of the project. - BUILDING A NETWORK OF 'Soil Advocates' - Our aim is to create a network of youth-led environmental/soil advocates, artists and facilitators committed to social change, sustainability and community empowerment. The non-formal methodology and international dimension of youth exchanges is a great way to raise awareness, develop environmental awareness and promote active participation.