Green Guardians

Izvoare (Romania) - 15-22 October 2024

Description

This 6-day youth exchange united young people from across Europe to explore environmental protection and sustainability. Through interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects, participants gained practical skills, discovered eco-friendly solutions, and learned how individual actions can promote a greener future. 

AIM

The youth exchange in Izvoare aimed to foster environmental awareness and sustainable living among young people. By addressing key environmental challenges through interactive learning and hands-on experiences, the project empowered participants to promote eco-friendly practices and inspire positive change in their communities. 

Objectives 

Profile of participants

The project united 20 participants aged between 15-18, encouraging collaboration and growth among youth from Romania and Czechia. 

Activities

Workshops

In the "Environmental Challenges" workshop, participants studied key environmental issues and developed problem-solving solutions using the 8 key competences from the Youthpass framework. Through interactive activities and group discussions, they deepened their understanding of sustainability and eco-friendly practices. By reflecting on their learning and growth, participants were empowered to tackle real-world challenges. Upon completion, they received their Youthpass certificate, acknowledging the skills and competences they developed throughout the project. 

Youthpass Certificate 

In this workshop, participants explored the 8 key competences outlined in the Youthpass framework, gaining a deeper understanding of how these skills relate to personal and professional development. Through interactive activities and discussions, they reflected on their growth throughout the project. By the end, each participant received their Youthpass certificate, recognizing their achievements and the competences developed during the experience. 

Eco-Comedy: A green Tale”

Eco-Comedy: A Green Tale" was an interactive theatre play that combined improvisational theatre, role-playing, and audience participation to educate about environmental protection and sustainability. Divided into groups, each assigned a specific theme, participants brought quirky characters to life, fostering creativity and understanding of critical environmental issues. The play aimed to raise awareness and inspire positive actions for protecting the planet, all while having fun! 

Green Campaigners

In this activity, participants were divided into smaller groups to explore topics related to environmental sustainability and create a green campaign plan. Each group selected a cause, such as energy conservation or reducing meat consumption, and brainstormed ideas to raise awareness and inspire action. They developed key messages, strategies, and content for their campaigns, considering target audiences and effective social media platforms. Afterward, groups presented their plans to the larger group, fostering peer learning and feedback. This workshop enhanced participants' skills in campaign planning, digital communication, and teamwork, empowering them to become advocates for sustainability in their communities. 

Eco-Trail Adventure to Zetea Lake”

The "Eco-Trail Adventure to Zetea Lake" was an interactive outdoor activity that combined hiking with environmental education. Participants embarked on a guided hike to the scenic Zetea Lake, where they learned about the importance of preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable practices. Along the way, they engaged in thematic discussions, environmental games, and hands-on activities, fostering a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the hike, participants gained a stronger understanding of environmental protection and made personal commitments to promote sustainability, while developing a greater appreciation for local biodiversity and the preservation of natural areas like Zetea Lake. 

Mid-term evaluation

The Mid-Term Evaluation allowed participants to reflect on the project by revisiting their initial expectations, concerns, and learning goals. Through this discussion, we assessed progress, compared goals with outcomes, and identified areas for improvement, helping to refine the project for the remainder of the program. 

National Anti-Drug Agency Workshop

A workshop for the National Anti-Drug Agency is an interactive session designed to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote prevention strategies. 

Intercultural Evenings

Intercultural evenings are dynamic events where participants from different countries showcase their cultures through music, dance, cuisine, and traditions. These evenings promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and the values of diversity and inclusion, creating a vibrant atmosphere for learning and building connections among young people and project participants.  

Disseminations

A dissemination and exploitation of results plan is a strategic outline that details how the results of a project will be shared with stakeholders and the general public, and how these results will be applied or utilized in practical settings to maximize their impact.  

Colegiul Național „Mihai Viteazul”

On 12.11.2024, multiple dissemination workshops was held at a school in Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania, where participants showcased the project's activities and results. The event highlighted key achievements, shared impactful experiences, and engaged the audience with interactive energizers to inspire collaboration and enthusiasm. It served as an excellent platform to share the project's success and foster community involvement.  

Náchod, Czechia

On 13.11.2024, a series of dissemination workshops took place at a school in Náchod, Czechia, where participants presented the project's activities and outcomes. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the project's successes and share the valuable lessons learned throughout its implementation. It was an inspiring occasion that emphasized the project's positive impact and encouraged ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange. The workshops fostered a sense of connection and motivation, laying the foundation for future joint efforts. 

Check out the project official video

Press Releases

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They recently published a blog post about this exciting activity, showcasing the power of the nonprofit community. Stay inspired!