Author: project_manager

We are thrilled to share with you the latest developments of the Erasmus Plus project “Active Youth 4 Life.” From November 30th to December 1st, 2023, project partners gathered in Virginia for the final TPM, an exciting moment where the details of the remaining activities were finalised.

During this meeting, our partners worked diligently to develop crucial strategies that would maximise the positive impacts on the lives of the involved youth. This meeting represents a pivotal chapter in our journey, a valuable moment to reflect on the milestones achieved and draw final considerations on the tangible impacts of the project. Speaking of impacts, we want to emphasise how the commitment and collaboration of our partners made the success of “ActiveYouth4Life” possible. This initiative played a significant role in the personal development and prospects of the youth involved. We witnessed genuine growth in key competencies and basic skills, essential for their personal fulfilment, employability, social inclusion, civic participation, and democracy.

The ACTIVEYOUTH4LIFE project focused on this crucial goal: enhancing and cultivating the active citizenship mindset of youth, civic participation, and environmental awareness. We aimed to train responsible citizens capable of adopting sustainable lifestyles and taking responsibility for the environment, effectively addressing challenges related to climate change through the cultivation of LIFEComp competencies.

Tell me more…

With this in mind, we worked towards specific objectives, including fostering active citizenship among youth, creating a multidimensional training approach adaptable to local, regional, and EU contexts, and providing innovative practices and tools such as filmmaking and serious gaming through ‘the art of storytelling. Our training methodology is based on the principles of active, challenge-based learning, and
social constructivism. With a learner-centered focus enriched by participatory and digital storytelling, we delivered highly motivating and
interactive content in an online mode, adopting forms of blended learning (face-to-face and online).

Our commitment continues to be a key priority for the European Commission, with a special focus on environmental and sustainability issues. We believe that our project is innovative, introducing a new training methodology that promotes active citizenship and sustainability awareness through the development of LIFEComp competences, linked with creative means such as filmmaking, gaming, and storytelling.
Meanwhile, as all multiplier events are taking place in the various partner organisations involved, we would like to express our gratitude to the participants and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions. We thank each of you for your continuous support, and we will keep you updated on the future developments of this exciting project.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

What have we done so far?

Digital Escape Rooms to promote active citizenship among young people:

At this stage of the project, we are working on the design and development of Digital Escape Rooms to promote active citizenship among young people. They are designed to develop knowledge, skills and competencies, including learning management, critical thinking, growth mindset and self-regulation. Youth will participate in digital stories and scenarios that will help them develop these skills in an immersive and engaging environment. Digital Escape Rooms are innovative learning resources that make learning more appealing and memorable, especially for young people. This will help engage young people in understanding the topics addressed and reflecting on them.

The proposed themes and scenarios are as follows:
·Social Entrepreneurship and Green Growth.
·Behavioural Changes Needed
·Strengthening Active Citizens
·Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation
Cultural Values and Sustainable Development

Virtual Training and Communication Platform.

This outcome involves the development of digital and e-learning tools for training aimed at improving youth civic participation, awareness on climate change and sustainable development.

Link: https://elearning.activeyouth4life.eu/

Next and previous meeting

The consortium of #ActiveYouth4Life met in Sarajevo to discuss the previous and next steps of the project. For the next transnational project meeting they will meet in Ireland to finalise the final steps of the project and then organise the project dissemination events later this year. Hosted by partner FIP (Future In Perspective Limited) in the beautiful Virginia, a town in County Cavan, Ireland.

Available results

Project results are available through our website under a Creative Commons license. This license allows free distribution of copyrighted works, providing flexibility to the author and protecting those who use or redistribute the work. We will keep you updated on further developments and results. Thank you for your continued support of ActiveYouth4Life

ActiveYouth4Life is a project with the main target to enhance youths’ civic participation and their sustainable and environmental awareness. What does this mean in practice? It means that it aims to shape active citizens who fight effectively to tackle climate change issues that nowadays are being more and more observed even at the local level. It is an undeniable fact that strengthening young people’s sense of initiative and cooperation towards the confrontation of environmental problems is the stepping stone to make the change towards the urgent issue of climate crisis. For this reason, ActiveYouth4Life project is already contributing to this change through all the steps that have been taken so far within our consortium.

What has been done up to now?

The last months, we developed a Training Handbook for raising youths’ awareness on environmental issues and sustainability through film-making. Useful tools, material and creative ways to address these issues, are all included in the Handbook, so as to equip youth workers with a simple methodology on film-making, without having to be specialists on the field. At the same time, through the implementation of the Handbook, specific LIFEComp competences such as communication, collaboration, flexibility, well-being and empathy are being enhanced to the youth. We had the chance to test the effectiveness of the Handbook in each country by involving young people in the procedure of the piloting implementation. Under the guidance of a trainer, and following the steps that are being described in the Handbook, the participants cooperated and exchanged ideas with the ultimate goal to create a short film about environmental awareness. During this procedure, young people had the opportunity to develop their personal competences and become more sensitive on the issues of climate change and more motivated to take initiatives for the environmental protection. Furthermore, by using the proposed materials and the ideas of the Training Handbook and working as a team, they managed to create a space of dialogue, inspiration and collaboration, within which the final product were the short films that displayed how climate change has its effects even on a local level and how we can tackle these problems by making small, but important changes in our daily lives.

What is the next step?

Living in a digital and fast- changing era, young people need stimulating and challenging environments of learning. For this reason, our next step is to develop digital escape rooms aiming to foster active citizenship to youths. Creating a more visually attractive and interactive learning environment, can motivate young people to engage and cooperate for fighting for better societies. Lastly, by solving quizzes and riddles to escape a room, young people can develop crucial skills such as critical thinking skills and digital skills to further support them and encourage them to be connected and empowered to take initiatives and thrive as active citizens in the society of today.

You can find more about “Active Youth 4 Life” project
On the website: https://activeyouth4life.eu/
On the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/activeyouth4life/

ACTIVEYOUTH4Life project, funded under the Erasmus + program KA2 – Cooperation Partnerships in Youth KA220, is focused on shaping young active citizens, but also agents of change for environmental and sustainable development . Three non-profit organizations, one research and development centre, one private company and one aggregator of people and companies from Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus and Bosnia and Herzegovina join their forces to implement this project having a common goal: To apply a holistic approach, addressing both youth workers, trainers, educators and youths so as to provide new alternative, inspirational means for engaging youths and cultivating their active citizenship mindset, in order for them to be able to act as responsible citizens by adopting sustainable lifestyles and taking responsibility for the environment, embracing their dynamic potential to cope with complexity as thriving individuals/ citizens. How are we going to achieve these results? According to one of the main principles of the project, innovative practices and tools will be provided, such as filmmaking and serious gaming through ‘the art of storytelling’, so as, to prepare educators, trainers, youth workers and youths to become true agents of change via cultivation of LIFECOMP competences.

Why is it important?

The era that we go through is characterized by the distancing of young people from the participation of social life, but also by the immense problem of climate change. Consequences of the environmental crisis can be observed on many different aspects and for this reason it is urgent to act now in order to tackle climate change issues. Young people, who are the future of our society, are called to be the main actors of this reaction, of this change of our habits in a way to create a more sustainable daily life and to try to prevent side-effects of climate change to the most. For this reason, it is very important to cultivate active citizens, aware of the problems of the society and willingly to try to make a change.

The tools, chosen for the implementation of this project and for the attainment of the target goal, are associated with the realization that in 2022 young people receive much of their education, information and entertainment through phones, notebooks, iPads, TV. Filmmaking can, given these premises, be capable, in a safe and effective way, of exploring sensitive issues, of increasing the confidence of young people, but also the feeling of solidarity and cooperation among them. It becomes possible to create a virtual community space for the promotion of dialogue and collaboration among youths, motivating them to take initiatives towards a common goal: how to take action against climate change.

At what stage we are now

“Active Youth 4 Life” will be implemented in the years 2022-2024. It is already in the process of making a change, as two meetings have already taken place : the first one in April 2022 in Spain and the second one in October 2022 in Cyprus. At this stage of the project, we start
developing training approaches through the use of different techniques-filmmaking and digital escape rooms- for enhancing young people’s civic participation, environmental and sustainability awareness.

You can find more about “Active Youth 4 Life” project
On the website: https://activeyouth4life.eu/
On the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/activeyouth4life/

New research shows that Europe’s food consumption relies unnecessarily on global resources, and this is why researchers call for political action. Much of the food consumed in Europe is produced in countries outside Europe, which we end up throwing half of it away in
the trash…

The loss and waste of food that occurs along the food supply chain is truly appalling. And it involves everything from the primary agricultural sector in Europe or the rest of the world to the home of every European.

‘Halving food loss and waste in Europe, together with a redistribution of global food resources, could solve the challenges of global food shortages’; This is according to Marianne Thomsen, leader of this research and professor of sustainable food systems at the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH FOOD).

Therefore, countries should invest in solutions to reduce food loss and waste. And they need to do so at all stages of the food supply chain. This is Marianne Thomsen’s proposal.

Halving food loss and waste in Europe’s food supply chains is equivalent to saving 8% of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by Europeans’ food consumption.

But there is also a relative saving of 6% of agricultural land. And 6% of pasture land. Which together equates to 12% of agricultural land. Given that grazing areas are used for livestock farming. In addition, there are savings of 7% in water consumption and 14% in embodied
energy in food production for the citizens of Europe.

Marianne Thomsen points out that monitoring and reporting food loss and waste by all actors in the food supply chain is an important policy instrument.

‘Such an instrument, supported by other measures, can be a powerful incentive. In this way, companies and the rest of society could invest time and money in new technologies. And in systems that prevent food loss and waste. Thus, closing the loop on the entire food supply.
And with the goal of a circular economy, both locally and globally. With what Europe is throwing away, half the world would eat while starving.

Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions inventories are inaccurate. Because they only take into account what each country emits from food production that takes place within its own geographical borders.

The new calculations apply a consumption-based accounting approach. This includes the ecological and climate footprint of locally produced food. And also, that of imports from European countries. Excluding domestically produced food exported to other countries.

In their calculations, the researchers assumed that food loss and waste is reduced through prevention and by reducing production and supply of food to meet European food consumption.

‘Reducing food loss and waste caused by food consumption in Europe by 50% requires political intervention. And also, to adapt to national circumstances and to specific regional and local challenges.’ This is what Marianne Thomsen says.

The calculations show that there are large regional differences that determine the most effective type of intervention. That said, Western Europeans show the greatest potential for footprint savings, especially France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. But those
nations with lower gross domestic product, such as Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania, also have great potential for preventing food waste.

The sector with the greatest potential for reducing its climate footprint is undoubtedly the agricultural sector, while the greatest potential for energy savings lies in the services sector. This includes canteens, hotels, restaurants, etc. Europe throws half of its food in the trash…

In an international context, ‘food waste’ occurs from the primary agricultural sector to the food processing industry and the wholesale sector. From the retail sector to the service sector and households, we refer to ‘food waste’.

The calculations are based on global food production and trade in 2018. By reducing food loss and waste resulting from food consumption in Europe by 50%, the following consumption-based footprint savings can be achieved:

51 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (8%)
446 km² of agricultural land use (6%)
523 km² of pasture land use (6%)
600 million m3 of water savings (7%)
131 terawatt hours of energy savings (14%)

The numbers speak for themselves. But what we all have to do is to recognize that before a political action on the upper lever, it is we who are responsible at an individual level to make this change possible and make better the future of our children.

If you want to know how to change your mindset and adopt more sustainable and environmental friendly habits please visit ACTIVEYOUTH4Life project and especially “Module 3 – Necessary behavioural changes, cultural and human values, consumption habits and
lifestyles that contribute to sustainable development”

Source: https://www.in.gr/2023/12/07/world/ayta-pou-petaei-eyropi-tha-etroge-o-misos-planitis/

We are thrilled to share with you the latest developments of the Erasmus Plus project “Active Youth 4 Life.” From November 30th to December 1st, 2023, project partners gathered in Virginia for the final TPM, an exciting moment where the details of the remaining activities were finalized.
During this meeting, our partners worked diligently to develop crucial strategies that would maximize the positive impacts on the lives of the involved youth. This meeting represents a pivotal chapter in our journey, a valuable moment to reflect on the milestones achieved and draw final considerations on the tangible impacts of the project.

Speaking of impacts, we want to emphasize how the commitment and collaboration of our partners made the success of “Active Youth 4 Life” possible. This initiative played a significant role in the personal development and prospects of the youth involved. We witnessed a genuine growth in key competencies and basic skills, essential for their personal fulfilment, employability, social inclusion, civic participation, and democracy.

The ACTIVEYOUTH4LIFE project focused on this crucial goal: enhancing and cultivating the active citizenship mindset of youth, civic participation, and environmental awareness. We aimed to train responsible citizens capable of adopting sustainable lifestyles and taking responsibility for the environment, effectively addressing challenges related to climate change through the cultivation of LIFEComp competencies.

With this in mind, we worked towards specific objectives, including fostering active citizenship among youth, creating a multidimensional training approach adaptable to local, regional, and EU contexts, and providing innovative practices and tools such as filmmaking and serious gaming through ‘the art of storytelling.’

Our training methodology is based on the principles of active, challenge-based learning, and social constructivism. With a learner-centered focus enriched by participatory and digital storytelling, we delivered highly motivating and interactive content in an online mode, adopting forms of blended learning (face-to-face and online).
Our commitment continues to be a key priority for the European Commission, with a special focus on environmental and sustainability issues. We believe that our project is innovative, introducing a new training methodology that promotes active citizenship and sustainability awareness through the development of LIFEComp competences, linked with creative means such as filmmaking, gaming, and storytelling.
Meanwhile, as all multiplier events are taking place in the various partner organizations involved, we would like to express our gratitude to the participants and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions.

We thank each of you for your continuous support, and we will keep you updated on the future developments of this exciting project.

Best regards,
The Team of “Active Youth 4 Life”

Subtitle: ‘Empowering the Next Generation to Tackle Climate Change and Shape a Sustainable Future’

Keywords/Tags: Youth activism, Climate change, Environmental conservation, Sustainability, Active citizenship

In a world where climate change has become an ever-pressing concern, it is the youth who are emerging as the torchbearers of environmental responsibility. Their passion, energy, and dedication are fueling a global youth revolution that is making a significant impact on the fight against climate change and the pursuit of a sustainable future.

The Youth-Led Climate Movement
Young people around the world are stepping up to address the pressing issue of climate change. The youth-led climate movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, with youth activists at the forefront of global climate strikes, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots initiatives.

Active Citizenship and Environmental Engagement
Active citizenship among young people has taken on a new dimension as they engage in environmental activism. This involves not only participating in climate protests but also actively engaging with their communities and advocating for policies that prioritize environmental conservation and sustainability.

Educating and Raising Awareness
One of the keys to the success of this youth-led revolution is education and awareness. Young people are becoming increasingly informed about the scientific realities of climate change and the urgency of the situation. They are well-versed in the environmental challenges we face and are driven to make a difference.

Youth-Driven Innovation
Innovative practices, such as digital storytelling, filmmaking, and serious gaming, have become powerful tools for youth activists. They use these mediums to convey their message and engage a broader audience in the fight against climate change. The creative energy of young activists is driving innovative solutions and raising awareness about environmental issues.

Motivating a Generation
The youth movement for climate action is not just about protest; it’s about motivating an entire generation to become actively involved in addressing environmental challenges. Young people are proving that they are not only concerned about their future but are determined to take control of it.

A Sustainable Future in Their Hands
As we look to the future, it is clear that the youth will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our planet. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Their commitment to active citizenship, environmental awareness, and sustainable living is a force to be reckoned with.

In Conclusion
The youth revolution for environmental change is a powerful and inspiring movement. Young people worldwide are demonstrating their dedication to addressing climate change and creating a sustainable future. Their activism, innovative approaches, and commitment to active citizenship remind us that the future of our planet lies in the hands of those who are most passionate about preserving it.

In an era marked by escalating environmental challenges, youth have emerged as a formidable force in the fight for a sustainable future. Their passion, innovation, and determination to address pressing ecological issues have revitalized the global environmental movement. This article explores the pivotal role of youth in shaping environmental awareness, emphasizing their influence, actions, and the need for a comprehensive approach to nurture their eco-consciousness.

The Power of Youth-Led Movements

One of the most prominent examples of youth activism in recent years is the Global Climate Strike, led by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenage environmental activist. Her school strike for climate action in front of the Swedish Parliament in 2018 sparked a global movement, inspiring millions of young people worldwide to demand meaningful climate policies. This youth-led movement not only raised awareness about climate change but also compelled world leaders to take action.

Moreover, youth are harnessing the potential of social media to amplify their voices. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have enabled young activists to engage with wider audiences, educate others about environmental issues, and mobilize support for conservation initiatives. Through hashtags like #FridaysForFuture and #ClimateStrikeOnline, they’ve created online communities committed to environmental advocacy.

Education and Awareness

Youth engagement in environmental awareness is closely linked to their access to education and information. Schools, universities, and educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping the environmental consciousness of young individuals. Incorporating sustainability into curricula, organising eco-clubs, and encouraging environmental research can significantly enhance youth environmental awareness. In addition, environmental education programs empower youth with knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for informed decision-making.

Youth are not merely passive recipients of environmental education; they are actively engaged in developing innovative solutions to environmental problems. Initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Boyan Slat when he was just 18 years old, demonstrate how young entrepreneurs are driving change. Slat’s project aims to remove plastic pollution from the world’s oceans, highlighting the potential for youth to contribute to environmental conservation through technology and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, young activists are pushing for sustainable practices within industries. For example, the fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, but initiatives like the Sustainable Fashion Challenge led by young designers are promoting eco-friendly fashion choices and encouraging the industry to adopt sustainable practices.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Action

Local communities often serve as the front lines of environmental protection, and youth are actively involved in grassroots initiatives. Youth-led conservation organizations, tree planting campaigns, and beach cleanups are just a few examples of their efforts to address environmental issues at the community level. These actions not only make tangible improvements but also inspire others to take similar steps.

Conclusion

The youth of today are emerging as the leaders of tomorrow, and their involvement in environmental awareness is both inspiring and necessary. Through youth-led movements, education, innovation, and community engagement, they are contributing significantly to the global effort to address environmental challenges. To nurture their passion and commitment, it is imperative that society continues to support and amplify their voices, recognizing the critical role they play in building a sustainable future for all.

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. Its far-reaching consequences, from rising temperatures and extreme weather events to biodiversity loss and sea-level rise, threaten the very foundations of our society and ecosystem. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, European youth have stepped up to take meaningful action, demonstrating their commitment to a sustainable future. In this article, we will explore the Active Youth For Life project aimed at harnessing the energy, creativity, and passion of young people across the continent to combat climate change.

The Active Youth For Life Project on climate change is a collaborative initiative that brings together young individuals, NGO’s and SME’s from across Europe. Its primary objective is to empower and mobilize the continent’s youth to combat climate change through a multifaceted approach.

1. Education and Awareness: Education is the first step towards meaningful action. The project emphasizes the importance of climate education in schools and universities, ensuring that young Europeans are well-informed about the science, impacts, and solutions related to climate change. Workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns are organized to engage students and promote climate literacy.

2. Youth-Led Initiatives: The project encourages and supports youth-led climate initiatives. Young people are natural innovators and often bring fresh perspectives to the table. By providing resources, mentorship, and funding, the project enables them to develop and implement their climate-related projects. Whether it’s reforestation efforts, renewable energy installations, or sustainable agriculture, European youth are driving real change.

3. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: To amplify their voices and influence policy decisions, young activists are encouraged to engage with local, national, and European policymakers. The project facilitates dialogues, roundtable discussions, and advocacy training sessions, equipping young leaders with the skills needed to advocate for ambitious climate policies.

4. International Collaboration: Climate change knows no borders. European youth are encouraged to collaborate with their counterparts from around the world. International exchanges, conferences, and virtual platforms connect young climate activists, fostering a
global network of like-minded individuals working towards a common goal.

Empowering European youth in the fight against climate change involves equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to make a difference. Here are some actions that young people can take:

1. Reduce Carbon Footprint: Individuals can make a significant impact by reducing their carbon footprint. This includes adopting energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, using public transportation or carpooling, and supporting sustainable products and businesses.

2. Advocate for Change: Youth can engage in peaceful protests, join climate organizations, and participate in campaigns to raise awareness  advocate for stronger climate policies. Their collective voice can push governments and businesses to take action.

3. Educate and Inspire: Sharing knowledge about climate change and solutions within their communities can inspire others to take action. Young people can organize workshops, webinars, and educational events to spread awareness.

4. Support Renewable Energy: Supporting and investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro power can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a sustainable energy future.

5. Participate in Restoration Projects: Joining conservation and restoration efforts, such as tree planting and habitat restoration, can help combat deforestation and protect biodiversity.

The Active Youth For Life Project on climate change recognizes the immense potential of Europe’s youth to drive positive change in the battle against climate change. By providing education, resources, and opportunities for engagement, the project empowers young people to take action, influence policy, and make a lasting impact on the environment. The future of our planet depends on the collective efforts of all generations, and by supporting and nurturing the passion of European youth, we are taking a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient world. Together, we can combat climate change and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.