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Threads of Change: Crafting a Sustainable Future

2025-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-0003042792025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: IT|FR|TR|RS|RO|EL · Grant: €44,630
Environment and climate changeCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

Threads of Change: Crafting a Sustainable Future was born from the desire of a group of young people from Serbia (Novi Sad) and Italy (Amalfi Coast) who, after collaborating on a youth exchange in Serbia on the theme of fast fashion, decided to extend this initiative, involving more groups from different countries and exploring the link with local craftsmanship. The enthusiasm and strong motivation shown by the participants has brought to light the desire to explore the topic in greater depth, investigating sustainable alternatives and promoting interaction with local communities through the recovery of craft traditions and the practical experimentation of new creative solutions. The main objective of the project is to make young people aware of the problems of fast fashion and provide them with concrete tools to become agents of change in their communities. Through an experiential approach and non-formal education, participants will have the opportunity to develop awareness, practical skills and initiative in an intercultural context. Specifically, the project aims to: - Critically analyze the fast fashion industry, exploring its production model, environmental and social impact, and the marketing strategies that encourage overconsumption. - Promote sustainable alternatives through craft workshops led by local women, to learn techniques such as crochet and knitting and understand the value of manual labor compared to industrial production. - Involve participants in practical upcycling workshops, where they will transform waste materials into new items of clothing or accessories, directly experiencing the creative potential of reuse and the possibility of reducing waste in the fashion industry. - Exploring the role of digital technology in sustainability, introducing participants to tools such as apps for exchanging clothes, second-hand platforms and online services for promoting ethical brands. - Encourage youth activism and communication to raise awareness, through the creation of videos and multimedia content that tell stories and provide alternative solutions to fast fashion, spreading the message in their communities. - Stimulate dialogue between generations and cultures, involving local craftswomen in the transmission of traditional knowledge and creating a space for shared learning among young people from different countries. - Strengthen the role of non-formal education in youth work, experimenting with innovative and participatory methodologies that encourage youth leadership and active citizenship. A fundamental aspect of the project will be the direct and practical experience of the participants. They will not only discuss sustainable alternatives, but will be actively involved in their creation, through upcycling and textile art workshops. This approach will not only develop manual and creative skills, but will also offer a tangible experience of how fashion can be transformed into a more ethical and sustainable process. In addition to the specific objectives, the project aims to have a concrete and lasting impact. Once back in their countries, participants will be encouraged to organize awareness-raising activities, clothing exchange events (Swap Parties), workshops on creative reuse and other initiatives that can contribute to a more conscious and responsible fashion. From the point of view of youth work, Threads of Change is fully in line with non-formal education methods, offering participants a participatory, experiential and intercultural learning environment. The project combines innovative approaches to engage young people, making them the protagonists of their training path through practical activities, moments of reflection and the use of new technologies. The project also responds to the need for innovation in the youth work sector, proposing a model that combines the revival of artisan traditions with the opportunities offered by digital technology, stimulating creativity and critical thinking. The interaction between generations, thanks to the workshops with local craftswomen, not only enriches the participants' experience, but also encourages a broader social dialogue, strengthening the sense of community and active citizenship.

Project partners (6)