Go Green,Go Digital!
Study Visit - Grenoble, France
15/04/2025 - 18/04/2025
Go Green,Go Digital!
Study Visit - Grenoble, France
15/04/2025 - 18/04/2025
The study visit "Go Green, Go Digital" brought together 4 youth workers from Romania and France. This activity provided a great opportunity for youth workers to explore the green practices implemented in various institutions and youth NGOs in Grenoble, France.
During the study visit, the youth workers focused on the positive impact of digital tools. By visiting institutions and other youth NGOs, they had the opportunity to meet stakeholders and exchange knowledge, views, and attitudes about efficient green and digital methods to work with young people.
In addition to exploring common green practices, the visit emphasized the role of digital tools in youth work. Participants learned how digital collaboration tools were integrated into the daily workflows of Association ASCU. The program included several sessions on digital tools such as Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft PowerApps, enabling youth workers to draw inspiration from them and integrate them into their home organisations. Incorporating digital solutions into daily operations helped lower energy consumption and contributed to the creation of more eco-friendly work environments (by reducing paper usage and other consumables).
This four-day study visit aimed to provide youth workers with fresh ideas and perspectives on sustainable green practices while guiding them toward adopting digital solutions to reduce waste before, during, and after their activities. The program also sought to strengthen cooperation and improve the quality of collaboration between the participating organizations.
O1: To foster the exchange of green and digital practices between the participating organizations and the visited institutions and NGOs.
O2: To explore and promote the integration of digital tools in daily operations to enhance sustainability and reduce resource consumption.
O3: To improve the quality of collaboration between the participating organizations and enhance the skills of youth workers by providing them with knowledge of effective digital practices.
The first full day began with an energizing ice-breaking and get-to-know-each-other session, designed to help participants connect and celebrate their cultural diversity. Through interactive games and group activities, the session fostered inclusivity, mutual understanding, and collaboration — laying the foundation for productive teamwork throughout the study visit.
Later, participants visited the ASCU Association headquarters, where they explored how the organization integrates green and digital practices into its daily operations. The visit encouraged open discussions on sustainability, digitalization, and NGO management, providing practical inspiration for participants to apply in their own contexts.
The afternoon sessions focused on integrating green and digital approaches into project management, covering every phase — from planning and preparation to implementation and follow-up. Youth workers exchanged best practices and strategies to improve efficiency, collaboration, and environmental responsibility in their future Erasmus+ projects.
The day concluded with a welcome dinner, creating a friendly and intercultural space where participants could relax, share experiences, and strengthen new connections.
The second day started with a visit to Grenoble City Hall, a model of sustainable and digital public administration. As the European Green Capital of 2022, Grenoble demonstrated inspiring examples of green city management and innovative digital tools used to streamline administrative processes. Participants met with city representatives to discuss how municipalities can reduce waste, promote sustainability, and use technology for efficient governance.
Following the visit, participants conducted an interview with a representative from ASCU, focusing on the NGO’s use of digital tools and green practices in youth work. This hands-on activity not only deepened their understanding of sustainable NGO operations but also helped them strengthen their communication, filming, and digital editing skills.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in a Digital Implementation Plan workshop, where they reflected on the City Hall visit and identified elements that could be adopted by the ASEY network. The session highlighted practical ways to integrate green and digital methods into daily operations to enhance sustainability and efficiency.
The day continued with a debriefing session that allowed participants to summarize key takeaways, share learning outcomes, and brainstorm how to implement new ideas within their own organizations.
The evening featured a Dissemination Night, where participants learned how to effectively share project results and experiences with broader audiences. The event also included a relaxing “After Movie Night” showcasing moments from previous youth exchanges and Erasmus+ activities.
Day three was dedicated to intercultural learning and networking with local organizations. Participants visited the Armenian Cultural Association in Grenoble, where they explored Armenian culture and exchanged experiences on how youth organizations can apply green and digital practices to improve their work.
The morning session, “Let’s Talk About the ASEY Network,” allowed participants to share successful initiatives from their organizations — from waste reduction and eco-friendly management to the use of digital tools for communication and coordination. These exchanges fostered mutual learning and inspired participants to integrate sustainable and digital solutions in their future projects.
In the afternoon, the group visited the House of Associations, a shared space that hosts over 40 NGOs in Grenoble. This visit showcased how local authorities support the non-governmental sector by providing collaborative working environments and excellent facilities that encourage cooperation and resource sharing.
The evening concluded with a relaxed cultural activity — Exploring French Cuisine — where participants enjoyed traditional dishes and local specialties. It was a perfect opportunity to continue informal networking while experiencing French culinary traditions.
The final day focused on hands-on digital learning and international networking. In the morning sessions, participants explored SharePoint and PowerApps, gaining practical experience with these tools from both user and project management perspectives. Through simulation exercises, they learned how to document, plan, and follow up on youth activities using digital platforms — reducing paper use and making organizational work more efficient and eco-friendly.
In the afternoon, the group visited the Maison de l’International (Grenoble International House) to learn about its initiatives supporting international cooperation, global mobility, and European engagement. Discussions with local representatives provided valuable insights into best practices for promoting green and digital collaboration in a multicultural context.
The study visit concluded with a closure session, where participants completed final evaluations, planned dissemination activities (DEOR), received their YouthPass certificates, and discussed ideas for future cooperation. The evening ended with a farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships, learning, and partnerships built throughout the experience.