• Inclusion is integral to sustainability  

Inclusion lies at the heart of sustainability, as protecting the planet requires the commitment and participation of everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. The project emphasized the importance of engaging diverse communities, including minorities and marginalized groups, in sustainability initiatives.  

In Lithuania, the activities were developed with a multinational group, with Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. Inclusion was sought by overcoming the language barrier. In Hungary, the project had a special focus on the Roma people, one of the minority populations in the country. In Italy, a summer campus was held in the most peripheral and marginalized district of the city creating a sense of belonging and accomplishment. 

• Communitarian empowerment through active participation  

Practical engagement, such as transforming school spaces into green areas or participating in community clean-up activities, empowers individuals to take ownership of sustainability efforts and inspires a sense of responsibility towards the environment. 

Collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, educators, policymakers, and project participants, is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting sustainability outcomes. The project emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships and collective action. 

• Local actions can have global impact 

The project exemplifies the importance of local initiatives in contributing to global sustainability efforts. During their visit to Brussels and European institutions, the participants learned how their local activities could effectively influence decisions at the European Union level, demonstrating the interconnectedness of local and global spheres. 

• Sharing knowledge amplifies impact 

During the training activities, participants have learned and experienced how sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices with broader audiences amplifies the impact of sustainability initiatives, inspiring others to take action and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.  

A social media campaign was developed to engage young people with a wider audience and spread the message of sustainability and inclusion. Formation and information went hand in hand during the Media Training and equipped the youth and the partners with skills to share their actions and learnings in an international and entertaining way. Developing a social campaign requires dedication, constancy and collaboration – posts made with cross-posting tools have been the most successful and the results can still reach greater heights. 

• Cultural and linguistic diversity as assets  

 Cultural and linguistic diversity is a great challenge and can create many barriers for engagement, but embracing it enriches community efforts and promotes mutual understanding and tolerance. Overcoming language barriers and fostering inclusive spaces enable diverse communities to collaborate towards common goals. 

The Greenclusive project is a winning partnership of 7 organizations in 6 European countries, co-funded by the European Union.  

Partners:  

L'articolo Results and lessons learned about ecology and inclusion from Greenclusive project proviene da New Humanity.

Training ecologically aware teachers 

Linz, Austria 

For an ecological transformation, building sustainable awareness can happen from an early age. In Linz, under the guidance of dedicated teacher Claudia Troia, young people who are preparing to become kindergarten teachers were trained and equipped with a set of skills to educate a new generation. The Greenclusive project served as a platform for nurturing eco-conscious leaders. While participating in workshops on recycling and responsible consumption to brainstorming sessions on eco-entrepreneurship, participants were equipped with the tools to enact tangible change.  

An important step of the experience was the connection between knowledge and concrete action through the transformation of the school’s roof terrace into a green space. Marking the start of the greening of the school building, outdoor lessons will take place there and free time will be spent outside. Besides that, this is also another contribution towards the climate-friendly city of Linz. Reflecting on the experience, students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to delve into sustainability topics in a hands-on manner. Many noted a newfound sense of empowerment and readiness to take on the challenges of building a more sustainable world.

Engaging students to be ecologically active citizens 

Pescara, Italy 

The Pescara Summer Campus took place in San Donato neighborhood, a peripheral area southeast of Pescara. With approximately 15,000 inhabitants, the area suffers from waste management issues, limited cultural opportunities, air pollution and insufficient green areas. To address these issues, the Greenclusive project offered various activities designed to engage and educate the youth on pressing ecological issues, ranging from practical endeavors like park cleaning to thought-provoking seminars on the 2030 Agenda.  Through these engagements, participants not only imbibed valuable skills in environmental planning but also gained insights into active citizenship and community building. The workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects served as catalysts for holistic growth, fostering a sense of responsibility towards both society and the environment. 

Students from Liceo Classico D’Annunzio, a school in Pescara, were the majority among the youth, guided by their professor, Andrea Conte. The campus proposal was encouraged in the school environment, serving as an open window for the students to explore educational experiences beyond traditional classrooms. The impact of these endeavors was palpable, as evidenced by a song composed by one of the youth participant Laura Ubaldi take became the project soundtrack. The youth emerged not just as beneficiaries but as active agents of change, their newfound awareness translating into tangible actions within their community. The sense of belonging and accomplishment resonated deeply, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Pescara. 

Call to action 

The impact of the Greenclusive project extended beyond individual participants, resonating throughout the communities and beyond. Collaboration emerges as a central theme, with stakeholders encouraged to join forces in pursuit of common goals. By fostering partnerships between the local community, Greenclusive participants, and policymakers, the project envisions a collaborative approach to sustainability that transcends boundaries and fosters meaningful change. 

As the project unfolds, there is a clear call to action for policymakers at local and European levels. Urging for reforms in the education system to allow for more project-based learning, participants emphasize the need for time and space to explore sustainability initiatives fully. 

In essence, the Greenclusive project, a winning partnership of 7 organizations in 6 European countries, co-funded by the European Commission, serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and community engagement in advancing environmental sustainability. As participants continue to champion these principles, their collective efforts promise to shape a greener, more inclusive future for generations to come. 

L'articolo Protagonist educators engage active students in ecological and inclusive project proviene da New Humanity.

From January 16th to 18th, youth from Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Lithuania, Austria, and Hungary had the opportunity to engage in various dialogues with key figures in sustainability, including representatives of the European Green Deal and committed politicians. The journey provided a chance to connect all the locally conducted activities to the reality of the EU institutions. Mátyás Nemeth, from Hungary, states: “This trip to Brussels is very interesting because we can meet people from other countries and share experiences we had back home. We learned how much the European Union has been doing for ecology and how local activities can effectively influence EU decisions.”

Each country developed different activities aligned with their local realities, always emphasizing two common values: sustainability and inclusion. These were moments when the young people engaged with various realities, including Gypsies and Rom, people with disabilities, and youth from foster homes and those incarcerated. From Italy, Ludovica Cesarone shares how the project changed her life: “I know myself, but I don’t know how deeply I understand myself. This project has given me the opportunity to integrate, make friends, and create relationships with incredible people.” 

Three pillars guided this transformative journey: Responsible Citizenship, Green Trainings & Activities, and Sensitization Through Communication. These themes formed the foundation for participants to deepen their understanding of sustainability and its various dimensions. 

The immersive experience began with a visit to the European Council, where an informative session about the functioning of the European institutions set the tone. Subsequent visits included the European Parliament, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), COMECE, the German Representation, and the Green European Foundation. Each visit served not only as a tour but also as an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogues, fostering connections and understanding. 

The project goes beyond practical actions and has a profound impact on the youth, helping to shape them into individuals who are agents of change in the world, equipped with values such as empathy and self-knowledge. “With this project I learned to think also about the other, the importance of not being indifferent. Reflecting about consumerism, we learned about child labor in Bangladesh – when I think about it, I’m sure we need to change the way we consume”, Mária Krištofíková from Slovakia shares her learnings. 

Inclusion is at the heart of sustainability. Protecting the planet and ensuring the sustainability of life on earth depends on the commitment and participation of everyone, regardless of their background, culture, language, or economic situation. Juan Camilo Poveda, coordinator of the Austrian group, emphasizes: “Initiatives like this are very important because young people want to get involved, they want to learn. This is the opportunity to change a whole generation.” The stories shared by participants reflect not just a commitment to sustainability but a collective understanding of the importance of responsible citizenship, nurturing a generation that seeks to redefine the future.

Check out the highlights of this journey!

L'articolo Greenclusive in Brussels: bridging local actions to global impact proviene da New Humanity.

Abandoned nuclear power plants evoke images of desolation, with Chernobyl standing as a haunting reminder of the potential consequences. Ignalina, another nuclear center located in Lithuania, shares the same landscape with a troubled history. Notably, it served also as the backdrop for the HBO TV series Chernobyl.  

Reaching out to the excluded and planting seeds of hope are part of the mission of the Greenclusive project. The participants decided to act locally at Visaginas, the youngest city in Lithuania, and is primarily known for the nearby Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, construction of which began in 1978. 

Scoping out the territory, investigating the challenges 

Ignalina’s struggles are deeply rooted, and the nearby city of Visaginas bears the burden of an aging nuclear infrastructure. Although the nuclear power plant has been closed, the burial and storage of radioactive waste remain a significant problem and has caused significant damage to Lithuania’s largest lake, Lake Drūkšiai, and its flora and fauna.  

The city faces a number of socio-environmental challenges, such as low birth rate, aging population, disabilities, substance addiction, and psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Additionally, there are challenges such as unemployment and migration. The environmental quality in the municipality is deemed inadequate due to escalating air and water pollution, an underdeveloped waste management system, reliance on diesel for heat, slow housing modernization with reliance on diesel for heat, and a high motorization rate with a dated vehicle fleet and a shortage of electric vehicles. 

In a place where abandoned buildings dot the landscape and waste mars the natural beauty, the question arises: Can ecology and inclusion find a foothold here? 

In Action: Greenclusive Youth’s Bold Initiative 

A group of 9 young people from Lithuania and Estonia embarked on a journey to Visaginas, confronting the complexities of this nuclear-tinged environment. At first, the goal was to observe what is happening in the city, what positive initiatives have been implemented or are in progress, and what problems the city is facing. 

From July 6th to 9th 2023, through the lens of the Greenclusive Project, these youngsters engaged in meaningful actions, such as getting to know the city and the nuclear center, meeting many residents, cleaning the lakeside and visiting the municipality. This collaborative spirit resonated as a testament to the potential for positive change, even in seemingly desolate places. 

The population of Visaginas is predominantly Russian (48%), followed by 20% Lithuanian, and the remainder includes Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. The language barrier complicates communication among diverse communities and makes it harder to engage residents in activities together. Unfortunately, until today, the linguistic divide hinders diverse people and cultures from living in unity and harmony. 

In light of the above, the group had the opportunity to learn about the “Point” Youth Center and its activities. The center brings together young people from different language backgrounds and teaches them mutual tolerance. Those who come to the center can engage freely in various artistic activities, play, create costumes, pursue activities they enjoy, be accepted and respected—respecting each other. 

As a testament to the project’s impact, one of the participants returned to the city after some months for an annual festival. This not only symbolizes the lasting connections formed but also highlights the potential for ongoing positive change. The Greenclusive Project envisions a future where ecological sustainability and social inclusion thrive, especially in the most unexpected and excluded places.  

L'articolo Greenclusive: ecology and inclusion in abandoned nuclear power plant proviene da New Humanity.

Green Trainings: our project offers a range of green training programs designed to inspire and educate. These initiatives include: 

Eco-entrepreneurship Training: We have the possibility to innovate and create alternatives to contribute to a better sustainable world. This can be done from the economy and the cration of companies. This training was led by Carolina Monroy,expert in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Recycle – Reuse – Reduce Training: These slogans are on everyone’s lips – now it’s up to us, in our daily lives. What can we do here and now to protect the environment? This training was led by Rita Soós, strategy expert at the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. 

Responsible Consumption Training: How do my lifestyles affect environmental sustainability? What are the impacts of consumerism on social inequality, biodiversity, climate change? Greenwashing, what is it? This training answers these questions and was let by Márie Kristofikovej, passionate Slovakian ecology activist.  

Communication Training: Hone your communication skills to effectively advocate for environmental causes. Our training empowers individuals to spread the message of sustainability in a compelling and impactful way. This training was realized in presence at Munich but we share with you some of the content discussed in depth by experts during the training. 

Training Materials for Teens: Handbook for young between 13 and 17 years old to encourage them to learn more about concrete actions to fight climate change. 

Join us in the journey towards a sustainable future! Explore our training programs and materials, and let’s empower the younger generation to be leaders in environmental sustainability. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our planet and create positive change for generations to come. 

L'articolo Learn to act: inclusive ecological training initiatives for the youth proviene da New Humanity.