Summary

In the wake of escalating environmental challenges, particularly concerning waste management and recycling, the European Union has launched initiatives like the European Green Deal to address these pressing issues. Despite such efforts, statistics reveal a concerning trend: each EU citizen generates about half a ton of municipal waste annually, with only about half being recycled. Recognizing the critical role of education in fostering change, initiatives are underway to engage young minds in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

This youth exchange program stands as a crucial opportunity amidst the environmental challenges we face. With a focus on promoting the link between environmental preservation and active citizenship, the program aims to educate and empower 46 young participants from five countries: Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Portugal. Through engaging non-formal activities, we will explore the principles of selective waste collection and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), while also delving into the concept of active citizenship in the context of environmental protection. By fostering non-formal activities and creating diverse types of content within groups, we will develop tangible tools to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustainable practices to safeguard our planet.

Embark on this transformative journey and become a catalyst for change. Anticipate gaining essential green skills and a deeper understanding of your role in shaping a sustainable future. Throughout this activity, you will have the chance to learn how to actively engage with your local community on green initiatives and collaborate to produce impactful content for promotional purposes. Let’s embody eco-friendly practices and actively advocate for change together, demonstrating our commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable world for future generations.

Activity Schedule

Part 1

8th-9th June: In the initial two days, our focus will be on team-building activities with the primary goal of getting to know each other better. Through games and interactive sessions, we aim to create a friendly and cooperative atmosphere.

Part 2

10th-14th June: During this phase, we will delve into the core theme of the youth exchange: environmental protection and active citizenship. Through reflective sessions, we’ll address pressing issues surrounding climate change and the future of our planet, seeking strategies to mitigate environmental degradation and avert a climatic collapse. Engaging in dynamic and enjoyable group activities, we’ll explore innovative approaches to recycling, waste collection, and introduce the “Zero Waste Challenge.” Additionally, we will create compelling promotional content and develop actionable plans to actively promote awareness in communities.

Part 3

15th June: On the last day of the mobility, we will reflect on our journey and discuss the impact of our activities. We will outline future dissemination initiatives to amplify the significance of our contributions beyond the youth exchange. Additionally, we will receive our Youthpass certificates, signifying our participation and learning throughout the program. Lastly, we’ll bid farewell to each other, cherishing the memories and connections made during our time together.

Participant Profile

  • Resident or citizen from one of the participating countries: Portugal, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania.

  • Aged between 16 and 24 years old (indicative numbers, not exclusive).

  • Available to attend the whole duration of the program and contribute to the successful flow of the sessions.

  • Motivated to contribute to a more sustainable word.

  • Willing to disseminate the results of this activity and the Erasmus+ program to other groups of young people.

  • Currently not receiving any funds from the European Union (e.g.: participating in an Erasmus exchange program within University).

Location and Venue

The activity will be hosted in Labanoras, a charming village located in the Aukštaitija National Park, in Lithuania. Our accommodation is called Hotel Vilijos Sodyba (www.vilijossodyba.eu). It is surrounded by beautiful nature and is appropriate for outdoor and sports activities (such as volley and football). It also has a big conference room for the sessions.

We will be sleeping in rooms of 4 people, gender-segregated. There will be provided three meals a day. Food preferences and allergies will be transferred to kitchen staff (this info is filled in application form).

Useful information

  • Participation costs: There are no participation costs. Travel, accommodation, and food are funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union. However, to avoid last-minute cancelations, participants who are selected will need to pay a 50€ deposit to confirm their participation. This is to avoid last-minute cancelations and to cover possible damages caused by the participants on the accommodation. The money is sent back after the activity.

  • Travel: We will use green means of travel: bus, train, or shared car transportation. The only exception are the Portuguese participants who will travel mainly by plane. Participants will travel together with their national groups and the main travel tickets will be bought by our organization. If some participants need to buy a ticket by their own to reach a common city, they should inform the project coordinators in advance and send them a digital copy of the acquired ticket in pdf format in order to get a refund. Although the official travel days are the 7th and the 16th of June, participants who live further away (such as the Romanian and the Portuguese participants) will most probably need to travel also one day before and after those dates, respectively. Once all participants are selected, project coordinators will work together with the national group leaders on developing a final travel itinerary.

  • Health & Insurance: We do not organize insurance for our participants. If they wish to have coverage, participants must arrange insurance for themselves. However, we ask all participants to bring their European Health Insurance Cards, which can be used if they need hospital care.

  • What to bring: Identification Document; European Health Insurance Card; Towel; Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes based on the weather forecast for the whole activity; Typical national food / snack for the Cultural Night; Euro currency or Revolut card to buy some personal items in the local shop; Speaker, board games, ball (for volley or football) to play during our free-time.

  • Terms & Conditions: Refer to www.e29.eu/terms-and-conditions for detailed terms and conditions.

  • Q&A: Have doubts? Feel free to reach us through our social media channels.

  • Note: We made some changes to our application portal. Even if you already created an account last year, you might need to click “Sign up now”, validate your email, and create a password. All your previous data will be synchronized through your email address.

Check out the final video of our last year’s hiking mobility in Romania.

How to Take Part?

Sign in to your account or if you don’t have one sign up now and apply.

Deadline to apply: 31.05.2024

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.