The Green Generators TC brought together 20 youth workers eager to explore the topic of sustainability and green living and to develop inspiring eco ideas and initiatives. The training course took place in Varna, Bulgaria, from June 9 to June 13 and offered a great environment for international exchange of best practices and experience. The participating countries were Bulgaria (host), North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey and Hungary.
On the first day the youth workers engaged in various ice-breakers and get to know each other activities. Together, they created group definitions of sustainability and presented their sending organisations as well as their personal aspirations and contributions to the protection of the environment. After completing a group reflection in the afternoon, they spent time together and explored the area around the hotel and the city.
The second day started with collective physical exercises outdoors. Then the participants explored the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Divided into 4 groups, they brainstormed on ideas on how to support 4 of the goals – goal #5 Gender Equality, #7 Affordable Clean Energy, #13 Climate Action and #17 Partnerships for the goals. In the next activity – Who is greener? the youth workers were assigned 4 businesses that they had to make more sustainable and eco-friendlier. The “Act-it-out” activity followed. The participants created short educational videos to promote the four SDGs discussed in the morning. The activities concluded with a group reflection and a free evening.
On the third day, the youth workers were introduced to the Green Ethics project and its innovative educational game “Spaces for Future”, which explores various environmental topics and future scenarios. Split into two groups, the participants in the TC played the online version of the board game. Later they engaged in another group activity focused on drafting a Green Protocol for 4 industries – meat and livestock, fast fashion, the oil industry and the mining industry. The protocols were further promoted by creative videos filmed by the youth workers. The activities concluded with a group reflection and an intercultural night, during which the participants showed their local traditions, dances, food and culture.
On the fourth day, the youth workers created innovative sustainable business solutions, presented them by using the Elevator Pitch technique and presented ideas on how to get funds for their products and services. They spent the afternoon in the beautiful city of Varna, enjoyed various activities and visited the most popular places in the city.
On the final day, FECE’s team presented the Erasmus+ Programme by showcasing different already implemented projects and encouraging future collaboration between the participants linked to project design and project implementation. Divided into international groups, the participants shared their sample Erasmus+ projects’ ideas. The day ended with reflection, evaluation of the training course and Youth Pass awarding ceremony.
FECE’s team thanks all youth worker for their positive spirit, individual and collective contributions and enthusiasm!
The Green Generators TC is funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme.
