“Future is Green” in Slovakia

It was a Youth exchange project in the frame of ERASMUS+ programme funded by EU,
implemented in Slovakia.


The YE “Future is Green” project focused on ecology “green topics” such as Zero-waste, minimalism, pollution, FastFashion, carbon footprint, etc. We wanted to show the participants that we can all do something together to save nature. We want them to stop telling each other: “Why should I do something for nature when others don’t?” but to replace it with “What can I do to set an example and motivate others” People nowadays are very much looking at others and waiting for everyone else to start, so that only then they can do something too. We want to create a feeling in our participants that they are also part of the change we so badly need and motivate them to be “greener”.

Our participants describe their experience

This August, I was given the opportunity to attend an Erasmus+ project in Slovakia called “Future is Green.” This initiative was focused on raising awareness on matters of environmental pollution and promoting sustainable alternatives that would minimize the damage caused to the planet. During our stay there, we were shown informative documentaries, got the chance to clean the nearby town, by roaming in groups and picking up trash from the streets, and exchanged opinions on this topic with other project participants from many different places.

 Aside from the educational part, the most rewarding aspect of this project was the cultural exchange and the connections that we formed with all participants. We bonded quickly, sharing stories from our hometowns, teaching each other words in our language, and by creating fun memories in general. This project’s social activities also strengthened our connections, especially the cultural nights. Each night we were introduced into the culture of a different country, from their delicious food to their exciting dances. We also explored the local Slovak culture together or simply spent time talking during meals or walks, finding common ground, and creating friendships in the blink of an eye. This led us to learn from one another and broadened our horizons, along with our perspectives.

The learnings and the friendships formed during this project gave me the time of my life and are something that I will cherish. “Future is Green” will serve as a reminder of how easy it is to bond with others despite the limitations of our borders.

                                                                                                                                                                                           Dimitris Kalyvas

During the Erasmus+ program “Future is Green” in Slovakia, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique experience that combined education and environmental awareness. Through various activities and workshops, I discovered new ways of thinking and acting for environmental protection. I also had the chance to meet wonderful people from different countries and cultures, with whom we shared common concerns about climate change and its impacts.

This experience not only broadened my horizons but also inspired me to continue working for a more sustainable future.

                                                                                                                                                                                Elissabet Georgiadou

This August I was given the opportunity to experience an Erasmus + program for the first time. I confess that I was a bit afraid of it at first, because I have never done anything similar before. Nonetheless, all the expectations I had made were fulfilled. I learned more about the cultures of other countries and also developed my communication skills. The reason behind this is because I met plenty of new people, exchanged discussions with them and even made friends. I was introduced to their way of thinking and dealing with everyday problems. What’s more is that I had the chance to work in a group, which resulted in my enjoying doing team work. 

More specifically, this program was called “Future is Green”. It aimed for raising the environmental awareness of the youth. Indeed, we were taught about the worldwide ecological crisis and the multiple ways each country tackles it. We discussed about the opposing views concerning the impact an individual can make on the environment. Moreover, we were shown documentaries shedding light on how climate change and pollution affects animals. This really gave us some eye-opening information in numbers we refused to conceptualize and accept before. We also tried new recycling strategies we have never tried before.

I really enjoyed this program, due to the close connections I made with a lot of people. They were all so friendly and made me feel heard. I will definitely miss the countless activities we had and the shared memories we created!

                                                                                                                                                                                       Zeta Georgia Ralli

The Erasmus project “Future is Green” held in Slovakia focused on ecology and the “No Waste” concept, bringing together participants from across Europe to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: waste management and sustainability. Set against the picturesque landscapes of Slovakia, the project aimed to immerse participants in hands-on learning experiences that emphasized the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to protect the environment. The program explored the principles of the circular economy, empowering young people to adopt eco-friendly practices and rethink their consumption habits to minimize waste. Participants visited local sustainable businesses, eco-friendly communities, and recycling centers in Slovakia, gaining valuable insights into the practical application of zero-waste initiatives. Through workshops, collaborative projects, and interactive sessions, they developed creative solutions for reducing waste, such as designing community outreach programs, creating sustainable products, and organizing clean-up campaigns.

 The project also fostered dialogue on how local governments, businesses, and educational institutions can integrate waste-reduction strategies into broader environmental policies. 

The “Future is Green” project not only equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to become environmental advocates but also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing global ecological issues. By working together, sharing best practices, and raising awareness, the participants became part of a growing movement for a greener, more sustainable future across Europe.

                                                                                                                                                       Konstantinos Koukoulommatis

From 12 to 20 of August i attended a youth exchange project called “Future is Green“. There were participants from Slovakia, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. During our stay there we got informed about a variety of environmental problems like pollution in the oceans and the excessive use of plastic in our daily lives.

We realised how important it is for each and every person to get informed about these topics as well and act accordingly. Also we got a taste of the culture of each participating country through the cultural nights. We had the chance to clean the nearby town of banská Belá, watch a documentary about pollution and understand the importance of keeping the world clean. Furthermore through these activities, the participants bonded with each other and we all made new friends. It was an amazing experience that i will never forget.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Panos Kalyvas

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