Author: project_manager

From the 3rd to the 4th of May 2023, our consortium of ActiveYouth4Life project had a 2-day meeting in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo.  During our partners’ meeting, all the previous steps were analyzed and evaluated and the next ones were discussed and confirmed. It was a chance to unite the partnership, with each one sharing opinions and impressions for the results that have been achieved up to now.

The meeting started with the evaluation of the Training Handbook for raising the awareness of youths about climate change and sustainability development through filmmaking that was developed within the project and the piloting that took place in every partner country and aimed at testing the effectiveness of this Handbook. The 51 young participants of the piloting process confirmed with the result of 10 successfully produced videos, that the Handbook and its proposed materials and tools constitute a valuable and easy-to-use source without the need to be an expert in filmmaking.

The Training Handbook will be soon available on the platform of the project along with all products and materials of the project.

After this topic, it was time to discuss about the Digital Escape Rooms that are being developed by all partners. This innovative learning resource makes learning more attractive, and thus, more memorable- especially for young people. Living in a digital and fast- changing era, young people need stimulating and challenging environments of learning. That is the reason why creating a more visually attractive and interactive learning environment, makes it easier to engage young people to comprehend the topics of active citizenship and environmental awareness and reflect upon them. Solving quizzes and riddles to escape a room, leads young people on developing crucial skills such as critical thinking skills and digital skills that further  encourage them to be engaged, connected, and empowered as active citizens.
This impactful tool of Digital Escape Rooms is in the process of development and soon will be available online.

Another product of our project that was discussed during the partners’ meeting, was the Training and Virtual Communication platform, in which there will be included: the e-learning and digital tools and resources for carrying out training activities for the enhancement of youths civic participation, climate change and sustainable development awareness. All that is needed in order to have full access to the platform is to register, because in this way it is possible to use  all the digital learning resources, such as the online modules, the film-training handbook and the digital escape room activities. This learning space will also include an e-library in forms of videos, assessment framework, and online publications that the educators/youth workers will be encouraged to access and benefit from them to learn more about the LIFEComp framework and sustainable development. On the platform, there is already available the training curriculum, which provides a certificate to every user who completes it. The curriculum consists of the following modules:
1)Climate change & Sustainable development
2)The role of Active Citizenship in EU in sustainable development awareness

3)Necessary behavioral changes, cultural and human values, consumption habits and lifestyles that contribute to sustainable development
4)Solutions to environmental problems through social entrepreneurship.

The results of our ActiveYouth4Life project are already tangible and soon they will all be available on our platform, so that anyone can profit from them.
During the meeting of our consortium, it was confirmed that the “AY4L” project is already having an impact in the local communities and at the same time through the platform will soon create a virtual community where users can interact and inspire each other.

Finally, the meeting in Sarajevo was an opportunity to empower even more our vision for our project and our passion to try to make the biggest impact possible starting from the local communities and the empowerment of the youth, in order to inspire them to become active citizens fighting for climate change.

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/

YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD PERCEIVE CLIMATE CHANGE AS THE BIGGEST GLOBAL CHALLENGE FACING OUR WORLD TODAY

Today’s environmental challenges are characterised by complexity. We live in a digitalised environment, our biodiversity is impacted, we over-exploit our natural resources and these factors are considerably impacting the environment.

Environmental Citizenship requires new ways of thinking and acting. Being an active environmental citizen includes recognising the value of liveable environments for humans and nature, promoting conservation and restoration of resources, and supporting nature protection and biodiversity.

Environmental attitudes and behaviour characterises and influence our production and consumption choices and therefore affect largely our environmental impact.

More than 154 experts from 39 countries participating in the European Network for Environmental Citizenship (ENEC) conseptualise what environmental citizenship means today.

“Environmental Citizenship” is defined as the responsible pro-environmental behaviour of citizens who act and participate in society as agents of change in the private and public sphere, on a local, national, and global scale, through individual and collective actions, in the direction of solving contemporary environmental problems, preventing the creation of new environmental problems, achieving sustainability as well as developing a healthy relationship with nature.

Environmental Citizenship includes the practise of environmental rights and duties, as well as the identification of the underlying structural causes of environmental degradation and environmental problems and the development of the willingness and the competences for critical and active engagement and civic participation to address those structural causes and to act individually and collectively within democratic means, taking into account inter- and intra-generational justice (ENEC 2018a).

To try to define this key concept, the European Network for Environment Citizenship (ENEC) was launched in 2017 with the aim to improve understanding and assessment of environmental citizenship in European societies. Environmental Citizenship is a key factor in EU’s growth strategy and plays a crucial role in achieving environmental sustainability, green transition, circular economy, and a carbon neutral future. ENEC COST Action gathers 154 academic researchers and scientists from more than 88 universities and research institutions from 39 countries in a multi-national and multi-disciplinary approach.

ENEC has developed new concepts, methods, metric tools, and pedagogical approaches. The network also tries to improve the protection of our planet with Teachers Professional Development Guidelines and policy recommendations.

“Environmental Citizenship, and its novel conceptualisation, is a promising environmental innovation which can help us reach our goals for achieving environmental sustainability, green transition, circular economy, and a carbon neutral future.“

Dr Andreas HADJICHAMBIS, Action Chair.

The aim of this European network is to deliver reflection papers and strategic recommendations for the Education for Environmental Citizenship (EEC) that will empower a new generation of environmental citizens, capable of promoting the necessary environmental and social change for the benefit of our environment.

In this attempt, ENEC decided to go beyond the necessary scientific publications and developed a book for children and three animated videos, explaining in lay formats the main concepts and approaches.

References:

Article retrieved from: Stokes, L. (2022, June 3). What does it mean to be an environmental citizen? – COST. COST. https://www.cost.eu/environmental-citizenship/

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/

Climate change is a pressing issue that affects everyone, but its impact is most severe on young people. Thus, engaging young people in the fight against climate change is crucial. Young people have a unique perspective and a sense of urgency towards the issue, and they are future leaders who will have to deal with its long-term consequences. Empowering young people to take action on climate change can tap into their natural leadership and mobilization skills. Furthermore, young people’s presence on social media and online platforms can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and building support for climate action. Lastly, youth engagement on climate change is essential to ensure that the solutions we develop are equitable and just. In summary, prioritizing youth engagement in the fight against climate change can drive real change and create a sustainable and resilient future.

Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our planet today, and it is a problem that affects everyone regardless of their age, gender or location. However, the impact of climate change is most severe on young people, who will have to live with the consequences of the actions taken by previous generations for decades to come. Therefore, it is crucial that young people are engaged and involved in the fight against climate change, and their voices are heard and taken seriously by policymakers and other decision-makers.

One of the key reasons why youth engagement on climate change is important is that young people have a unique perspective and a deep sense of urgency when it comes to the issue. Unlike older generations, young people have grown up in a world where the impacts of climate change are already being felt, and they are acutely aware of the severity of the problem. They are also more likely to be open to new ideas and solutions, and they are more willing to take action to address the problem.

Furthermore, young people are the future leaders of our society, and they will be the ones who will have to deal with the long-term consequences of climate change. By engaging with young people and empowering them to take action, we can ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to create a sustainable and resilient future for themselves and future generations.

Another important reason why youth engagement on climate change is essential is that young people have a unique ability to mobilize and inspire others. Young people are natural leaders, and they have a strong sense of social justice and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. By empowering young people to take action on climate change, we can tap into this innate desire to make a difference and create a movement that can drive real change.

In addition, young people have a strong presence on social media and other online platforms, which can be an incredibly powerful tool for raising awareness and mobilizing support for climate action. Young people are highly active on social media, and they are skilled at using these platforms to connect with others and spread their message. By engaging with young people on social media and other online platforms, we can tap into this vast network of potential supporters and build a powerful movement for climate action.

Finally, youth engagement on climate change is crucial because it helps to ensure that the solutions we develop are equitable and just. Climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including low-income and indigenous communities, and it is essential that their voices and experiences are taken into account when developing solutions. By engaging with young people from these communities, we can ensure that their perspectives are heard and that the solutions we develop are fair, equitable, and effective.

In conclusion, youth engagement on climate change is essential if we are to tackle this urgent global crisis. By empowering young people to take action, we can tap into their unique perspective and ability to inspire others, and create a powerful movement for climate action that can drive real change. Furthermore, by engaging with young people from marginalized communities, we can ensure that the solutions we develop are fair, equitable, and effective. As we work towards a sustainable and resilient future, it is essential that we prioritize youth engagement and ensure that young people are at the forefront of the fight against climate change.

Summary: Storytelling can be a powerful tool for encouraging young people to be active citizens. It inspires empathy, develops skills, raises awareness and provides a sense of agency, all of which motivate young people to make a positive change in their communities and the world.

Keywords: Storytelling, Active Citizen, Agency

Storytelling is a powerful tool for encouraging young people to seek change in the world. Through storytelling, young people can learn about different perspectives, experiences, and cultures, which can help them understand and relate to the issues and challenges facing their communities and the world at large. Storytelling can play a significant role in fostering active citizenship in young people.

One way storytelling can encourage active citizenship is by inspiring empathy and compassion. Hearing stories about the struggles and triumphs of others can help young people understand the impact of social and political issues on real people. It can also help them to identify with the people affected by these issues and understand their perspectives. This can motivate them to take action to make a positive difference in their communities. For example, hearing a story about a child who is living in poverty can inspire a young person to volunteer at a local food bank or to advocate for policies that support low-income families.

Storytelling can also help young people develop important skills for seeking change. For example, listening to stories about how people have successfully advocated for change can teach young people about effective communication, negotiation, and leadership. Additionally, storytelling can help young people develop critical thinking skills by exposing them to different perspectives and encouraging them to question assumptions and consider different solutions to problems. This can be particularly important in the context of environmental issues, where there may be multiple solutions to a problem and a need to evaluate the pros and cons of each.

Another way storytelling can encourage young people to seek change is by raising awareness about important issues. Hearing stories about the impact of climate change, for example, can help young people understand the urgency of the issue and motivate them to take action to reduce their own carbon footprint and advocate for policies that address the problem. Additionally, stories about environmental disasters and their impact on communities and wildlife can help young people understand the importance of protecting the environment and inspire them to take action to reduce pollution and conserve resources.

Ultimately, storytelling can also be a way for young people to see themselves as agents of change. Hearing stories of young people who have made a difference in the world can give them the confidence and inspiration they need to believe that they too can make a difference. This can be particularly important for young people who may feel disempowered or disengaged from the political process. Hearing stories of young people who have successfully advocated for change can show them that their voices and actions can make a difference.

Storytelling can be a powerful tool for encouraging young people to seek change in the world. By inspiring empathy and compassion, developing important skills, raising awareness about important issues and providing a sense of agency, storytelling can help young people understand the impact of social and political issues and motivate them to take action to make a positive difference in their communities and the world. Whether it be through books, movies, podcasts, or community storytelling events, it is important to provide young people with a variety of stories that reflect the diversity of perspectives and experiences in the world. In this way, they can be better equipped to understand and engage with the issues that matter most to them and to their communities.

References:

Blenkinsop Clarke, K. (2017) “How active storytelling can promote and develop essential language and literacy skills.” Available at: https://www.ecsdn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Kelly-Blenkinsop-Clarke-Submission.pdf (Accessed: January 18, 2023).

Ethnographies of Participation (2020) “Youth Active Citizenship in Europe.” Available at: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-35794-8 (Accessed: January 18, 2023).

Phillips, L.G. (2010) “Active Citizenship: Storytelling, Stories and Social Actions.” Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266498430_YOUNG_CHILDREN‘ S_ACTIVE_CITIZENSHIP_STORYTELLING_STORIES_AND_SOCIAL_ACTIONS (Accessed: January 18, 2023).

World Bank (2014) “Breaking the Barriers to Youth Inclusion: Youth Participation, Voice and Active Citizenship.” Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/content/dam/Worldbank/document/MNA/breaking_the_barriers_to_youth_inclusion_eng_chap2.pdf (Accessed: January 18, 2023).

Summary: Active citizenship involves being engaged and invested in the community, taking actions to improve society, and using one’s voice to advocate for social and political issues. It is important for young people to learn and practice active citizenship to shape the future and make a positive impact on their communities.

Keywords: Climate Change, Active Citizenship, and Active Youth

Active citizenship allows young people to become informed about the issues that affect their communities and to take action to create positive change. For example, SDG goal number two, Zero Hunger, aims to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030. By volunteering at a local food bank, or supporting sustainable agriculture, young people can actively work towards achieving this goal. Similarly, SDG goal number four, Quality Education, aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Young people can become involved in improving their local schools or advocating for education policies that support marginalised communities.

Furthermore, active citizenship also allows young people to develop leadership skills and gain valuable experience in planning, organizing, and making decisions. Through participating in local projects, volunteering, or serving on boards or committees, young people can gain the skills and experience they need to become effective leaders in their communities and beyond. This is crucial in achieving the SDGs, as it requires collective efforts and leadership from various sectors and stakeholders.

Active citizenship also has the ability to foster a sense of belonging and connection to the community, which is essential to achieving the SDGs. By becoming involved in community-based initiatives, young people can learn more about the issues that affect their community and the people living there. This understanding can foster a sense of empathy, compassion and a sense of responsibility towards the community, which can lead to the development of more inclusive and equitable policies and practices.

Additionally, the SDGs are interdependent, and their achievement relies on the active participation of citizens. For instance, SDG goal number thirteen, Climate Action, aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, which requires the participation of citizens in sustainable practices and supporting policies that address climate change. Similarly, SDG goal number five, Gender Equality, aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls, which requires the active participation of citizens in challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender-inclusive policies.

In conclusion, the SDGs and active citizenship are closely linked, and both are essential for youth in the 21st century. The SDGs provide a framework for addressing the most pressing global issues, and active citizenship provides young people with the opportunity to become informed, engaged and active in their communities. By working together, young people can play a vital role in making the world a better place for themselves and future generations. Encouraging and supporting young people to become active citizens and aware of the SDGs is crucial for achieving a sustainable future for all.

References:

British Council (2022) “Active Citizens.” Available at: https://active-citizens.britishcouncil.org/about (Accessed: July 26, 2022).

Gov UK (2021) “Over 80% of young people eager to take action to help the environment.” Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-80-of-young-people-eager-to-take-action-to-help-the-environment (Accessed: July 26, 2022).

Imperial College London (2022) “Majority of young people distressed about climate change, even during pandemic.” Available at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/239251/majority-young-people-distressed-about-climate/ (Accessed: July 26, 2022).

SALTO YOUTH (2022) “What can You(th) do? Empowering Youth Through Active Citizenship.” Available at: https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/otlas-partner-finding/project/what-can-you-th-do-empowering-youth-through-active-citizenship.12783/ (Accessed: July 26, 2022).

United Nations (2022) “Youth in Action .” Available at: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/youth-in-action (Accessed: July 26, 2022).

People love to mix with the natural world. In fact, we have been interfering with our environment for tens of thousands of years, ever since our ancestors carved stone tools around the fire. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, from tsunamis to killer epidemics, many human interventions have been disastrous.

The way we live our lives, the things we produce and consume, and the way we move around, all impact the environment in a variety of damaging ways. To save our planet, we need to be aware of these impacts. As we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves.

Some examples that indicate the extent to which humans have affected the environment negatively with disastrous consequences.

1. Sparrow slaughter in China triggers insect epidemics

In the late 1950s, China’s leader, Mao Zedong, wanted to rapidly industrialise the country. This included the “Four Pest Campaign”, targeting mosquitoes, rats, flies – and sparrows.

He ordered all the sparrows in the country to be killed because he believed they were feeding on rice and grain and reducing the amount available for humans. Citizens were ordered to shoot the birds, tear down their nests, break their eggs and hit the pots so that they would scare the sky and fall exhausted to their deaths.

Sparrows were driven to near extinction in China. What officials didn’t realize is that sparrows rely on cereals for only a small part of their diet: most of it consists of insects. After the mass cull, there was an explosion of insect pests that devastated the country’s crops.

“This ecological disaster combined with years of drought and destructive agricultural policies led to one of the most devastating famines in history. An estimated 45 million people died,” says Professor Marc Cadotte, an ecologist at the University of Toronto.

2. Pesticides kill more than harmful pests

Since the Second World War, our main defence against crop pests has been artificial pesticides. But these chemicals also kill useful insects, such as parasitoid wasps, laurel and ladybugs. These hunt common pests and provide support for farmers and gardeners.

Researchers in Brazil have found that ants can be more effective than pesticides in helping farmers produce food. At the same time, they reduce damage to plants and increase yields. This is because they are “generalist” predators, going after pests that damage fruits, seeds and leaves.

The scientists examined the impact of 26 ant species on 17 crops. They found that they do better in diversified farming systems, such as agroforestry and shade crops, since there are more places for them to nest.

3. Indian vultures are declining and the number of rabies cases is increasing

In the early 1990s, vultures across India began to die inexplicably. The long-beaked vultures, the slender-billed vulture and the eastern white vulture declined to the brink of extinction. The number of the three most common vulture species in India declined by more than 97% between 1992 and 2007.

Six other species also declined sharply. Scientists began examining the dead birds. They found that they had been exposed to diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug commonly given to cattle in South Asia. The vultures were feeding on the carcasses of cows and were poisoned.

This was the beginning of a widespread chain reaction. As vulture populations collapsed, cow carcasses began to accumulate and the number of rats and wild dogs increased dramatically. Dogs became the main scavengers in the dumps previously used by vultures.

If you want to learn more about the effectiveness of the human activity in our planet and what actions we should undertake, then read Module 3- NECESSARY BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES, CULTURAL AND HUMAN VALUES, CONSUMPTION HABITS AND LIFESTYLES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Adapted by the article available at: https://www.in.gr/2022/12/28/b-science/perivallon-b-science/ti-symvainei-otan-oi-anthrop

The final curtain went down for COP27 on the 20th of November 2022 achieving breakthrough agreements concerning climate change. COP27 was an opportunity to move the needle on all governments, private sector, civil society, and communities to champion for responding to the global emergency of climate crisis, and for supporting countries to realize their pledges on climate action.

COP27 President Sameh Shoukry mentioned: “Despite the difficulties and challenges of our times, the divergence of views, level of ambition or apprehension, we remain committed to the fight against climate change…”

What is exactly COP27?

COP27 refers to the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference held from 6th of November until the 20th of November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It took place under the presidency of Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, and brought together more than 45,000 participants – environment ministers, civil servants, negotiators, businesses, and members of the public-to share ideas, solutions, and build partnerships and coalitions. At the same time, indigenous peoples, local communities, cities and civil society, including youth and children, showcased how they are addressing climate change and shared how it impacts their lives.

It was the first time ever that children had an official space at a UN climate change conference in Egypt, with UN Climate Change’s Executive Secretary promising to urge governments to not just listen to the solutions put forward by young people, but to incorporate those solutions in decision and policy making. The newly-announced Children and Youth Pavilion enabled them to hold discussions and policy briefings. It was a unique chance to amplify the voices of young people and drive action on global climate policies vital to securing our future by addressing urgent issues of all fields.

What was finally agreed by the Conference?

After two weeks of intense discussions, the members of COP27 reached crucial final decisions dedicated to the prevention of more consequences of the environmental crisis and to the mitigation of the already existing impacts that sound the alarm for action.

More specifically, COP27 will go down in history as the UN climate change conference where the most remarkable deal was achieved after crucial climate talks: a global fund for “Loss and Damage”. It was an issue that dominated this year’s summit. But what is the significance of this decision? It refers to the financial assistance from nations, who are the greatest contributors to climate change, to developing countries stricken by the most severe consequences of climate change. After decades of pushing, this is a momentous victory for more than 130 developing countries, who were demanding for a new fund to help them save lives and livelihoods by coping with the irreparable damage of floods, drought and other climate impact.

Not only that, but also COP27 resulted in countries delivering a package of decisions that reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, the goal of which is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The package also strengthened action by countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change, as well as boosting the support of finance, technology and capacity building needed by developing countries.

At the same time, mitigation was an important topic to be discussed.

A work programme was launched in Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed at urgently scaling up mitigation ambition and implementation. The work programme will start immediately following COP27 and continue until 2030, with at least two global dialogues held each year.

The final decision text recognizes that the unprecedented global energy crisis underlines the urgency to rapidly transform energy systems to be more secure, reliable, and resilient during this critical decade of action.

Finally, as António Guterres- the secretary-general of the United Nations- mentioned during the Conference:

“Justice and ambition require the essential voice of civil society.

The most vital energy source in the world is people power. 

That is why it is so important to understand the human rights dimension of climate action.…..

It will take each and every one of us fighting in the trenches each and every day. 

Together, let’s not relent in the fight for climate justice and climate ambition.  

 We can and must win this battle for our lives.”

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 center, 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 willingful 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/