Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
One with Nature
Căpățânenii Pământeni, Romania
Dates: 23.04.2024 – 02.05.2024
About the project
The “One With Nature” was a youth exchange project that allowed participants from Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Spain, and Turkiye to connect with nature and learn about important environmental issues. We aimed to show them the beauty and complexity of the natural world by giving them real-life experiences. Throughout the activities, participants reflected on the need to protect the environment and live more sustainably. The project inspired young people from these countries to become supporters of nature, understanding how human actions affect the environment and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to live in a more eco-friendly way.
Our objectives
Ecological Competences
To develop the ecological competences of participants by providing knowledge and understanding of key environmental concepts and issues.
Sustainable Living
To promote sustainable living lifestyles among participants by analyzing and adjusting the day-to-day personal habits.
Environmental Advocacy
To empower participants to become environmental advocates and leaders in their communities.
What did we do?
Workshops and Discussions
We organized interactive workshops where participants learned about key environmental topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management. They also discussed the human impact on the environment and shared ideas on how to reduce it.
Nature Exploration
Participants went on guided nature walks and visits to local natural sites, including Ghitu Path and Vidraru Lake, where they experienced nature firsthand. These activities gave them an opportunity to observe ecosystems and understand the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Cultural Exchange
Through team-building exercises and cultural presentations, participants shared their environmental practices from their home countries. This fostered an appreciation for diverse approaches to sustainability and encouraged collaboration on shared challenges.
Creative Projects
Participants worked in groups to create digital videos and presentations, raising awareness about environmental issues. Using materials and experiences gathered during the project, they crafted messages aimed at inspiring others to take action for the environment.
Local Engagement
The project included interactions with the local community, where participants exchanged ideas with locals about countryside life, sustainability, and environmental challenges specific to the region. This helped ground their learning in real-life scenarios.
Planning for the Future
At the end of the project, participants reflected on their experiences and developed action plans to apply what they learned in their communities. They discussed how they could advocate for environmental sustainability and engage others in making eco-friendly choices.
Our Work
From Our Participants
“This exchange helped me see the beauty of nature. What I liked most was the different topics we talked about and the connections I made with the group. At first, I found it hard to connect with nature, but by the end, I learned to appreciate it more. In the future, I want to be more careful about how my actions affect the environment.”
“I learned a lot about other cultures during this exchange, which I found very interesting. My favorite part was the hiking experience because it gave us a chance to bond while being in nature. I didn’t have any big difficulties during the project. After this, I feel encouraged to join more projects like this in the future.”
“This exchange showed me how important nature is to us. The part I enjoyed most was overcoming the challenges during the hiking trip. Getting up early was hard for me, but I managed, and I learned a lot. In the future, I want to spend more time in nature because it’s good for the mind and body.”
The participants didn’t keep this experience just for themselves; they also shared what they learned with others. Through discussions, activities, and their own personal reflections, they passed on their new knowledge about nature, environmental care, and the value of teamwork to their friends, families, and communities. Their journey didn’t end with the exchange—it inspired them to continue spreading awareness and making a positive impact beyond the project.
Project Evaluation
The project “One with Nature” was financed with the support of the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme. This blog reflects only the author’s views, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.