From 29 July to 6 August 2025, I joined the Erasmus+ Training Course “Connecting through Science II: Green Europe” in the small and friendly town of Blansko, Czech Republic. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Moravian Karst, it was the perfect place to learn about the environment and sustainability. Our group included youth workers from five countries, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Romania, and Italy, all passionate about working with young people and making a difference in their communities.
The course focused on some of the biggest challenges our world is facing today: the climate crisis, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable practices. We explored topics such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, protecting forests, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. The main goal was to give us useful, hands-on skills that we could take back home and use in our daily work with youth.
Every day was full of activities. In the mornings, we often started with Reflective Buddy Walks, which gave us space to connect with each other and share ideas. Workshops like “Truth or Fake” helped us think carefully about information and media, while the “Sustainability Simulation” showed how our everyday choices can have a big effect on the environment. I also really enjoyed the “Vision to Action” workshops, where we teamed up with people from other countries to plan environmental projects that could work in our own communities.
One of the best moments for me was the Eco-Action Day. We went outside to clean up the area and plant trees, directly helping the local environment. I could see and feel the impact of our work, and it was a great reminder that change starts with small, real actions. I also loved working with other participants to film and create videos. It was exciting to mix creativity with an environmental message and to capture the teamwork, energy, and passion of the group.
Evenings brought a different kind of learning. The intercultural night was filled with food, music, dances, and traditions from each country. These moments showed me how culture influences the way we see nature and sustainability. They also reminded me of the power of diversity in finding creative solutions to common challenges.
Throughout the course, I strengthened my cooperation with partner organizations, shared my own skills, and learned from the experience of others. Many participants had a lot of Erasmus+ experience, and I am looking forward to working together with some of them in future projects.
The knowledge I gained was not only about the environment but also about diversity, inclusion, and European values. I developed useful skills such as communicating in different languages, working in teams, and being active in my community. The training confirmed my belief that youth workers can be powerful agents of change, especially when they have the right tools and a strong international network.
I would recommend this experience to any colleague who is interested in sustainability, cultural exchange, and learning in creative ways. For me, “Connecting through Science II: Green Europe” was proof that when creativity, cooperation, and passion come together, they can inspire real change. The friendships and ideas that grew in Blansko, just like the trees we planted, will keep growing, reaching further and inspiring more people over time.
- Greek participant
