EcoVenture: Embrace the Outdoors
Project Description
The youth exchange "EcoVenture" aimed to bring together 47 young participants aged 15-22 from Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and Bulgaria. While in recent years the importance of protecting the environment had gained significant recognition among youth, many young people in these countries still struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a connection to nature due to digital entertainment and urban living. This project sought to inspire youths to embrace healthier habits and appreciate nature through engaging outdoor activities while promoting a green lifestyle.
AIM
The 8-day youth exchange took place in Izvoare, Harghita, Romania, bringing together 42 participants, including 1-2 group leaders, to empower young individuals to adopt a green lifestyle and improve their mental and physical health through outdoor activities and sports. Utilizing non-formal learning focused on nature, sustainability, and well-being, the project aimed to instill environmental responsibility, healthy living, and self-confidence. Participants gained the tools and knowledge needed for active, sustainable lives, fostering personal growth and future success.
Objectives
O1: To enhance participants' physical health through non-formal activities such as sports, hiking, and outdoor pursuits, encouraging active living.
O2: To foster respect and appreciation for nature with workshops and activities promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
O3: To improve mental well-being through outdoor sports and activities, teaching stress management, relaxation, and mindfulness, and highlighting the mental benefits of nature and exercise.
Profile of participants
The exchange united 47 young participants aged 15-22 from Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and Bulgaria, with at least 60% of participants coming from backgrounds with fewer opportunities.
Activities
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Digital exhibition
Dissemination
Romania
The Romanian team organized six workshops, engaging over 120 young people. They also actively shared their journey on Instagram with daily posts and produced the official video for our project:
Moldova
The Moldovan team conducted two engaging workshops at their beautiful school, Liceul Vasile Alecsandri, successfully reaching and inspiring over 40 young participants through their activities and discussions.
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian team organized two workshops in their schools, reaching and engaging over 40 students. These sessions encouraged interactive learning, active participation, and enthusiasm for the topics discussed.
Hungary
The Hungarian team delivered a presentation and emphasized their online presence on Facebook. They shared daily photos, videos, a highlight reel of their hike, and an impressive project video, all uploaded to their Facebook page:
