«Live Sustainably»: testimonies, resources, gratitude and… 3rd edition?

We asked participants in the training course what they learned during the week. Here are some of their answers:

Concepts about sustainability that I did not know, an internal perspective to start the change from ourselves. thousands of resources to continue growing outwards and inwards. – Silvia, Spain

I was able to fulfil my expectations and was able to create a beautiful connection with people. It was also important for me to be in tune with myself, others and nature. Throughout the training I got to realise that I still have power inside me and that the fire that I thought was extinguished, is still here. – Fi, Portugal

I learned that: I am not alone, I can meet amazing people. There is a lot of positive energy to share and receive. Doing things with heart is one of the most important things. – Maja, Slovenia

I learned how to connect more to nature and take it as a self learning. I also learned methods, tools that I will use in my youth work. – Mica, Germany/Romania

I learned to listen to others, to myself and to nature. To be more gentle with myself and allow myself to feel the way I feel about the world around me. To look at things from a different perspective. – Mathilde, France

I learned to better respect my environment and have a better understanding of everything that is surrounding me. – Tiago, Portugal

The time to act is now. Start from yourself. – Brigjilda, Azerbaijan

I learned new ways to create activities and a sustainable lifestyle, new practices related to nature… and I got many resources to continue improving this knowledge. – Mota, Spain

Technical sustainable aspects. Being part of something bigger than me. Connect with my surroundings. – Afonso, Portugal

The most valuable experience was to pay attention to the professionalism and knowledge of the 3 trainers that I really appreciated. I will take this with me, in the heart, as an example. It empowered me to have trust in my inner voice and act more. – Andreea, Romania

Resources

During the training course, we collected many educational resources in a Padlet, which is freely available to all here: https://padlet.com/szatyorprojects/LS_2022

Gratitude

Much gratitude to everyone who made this experience possible!: Szatyor Association, particularly Era and Kolja, and their wonderful volunteers Paula and Valentina; Bara, Géza and the rest of the team at Biofalu, the venue which hosted our training; all 23 participants, and our 4 legged companion Kifli.

3rd edition?

If you, reader, are working in the international youth education field and are interested in hosting the 3rd edition of «Live Sustainably», don’t hesitate to get in touch and, together, we will make it happen!

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Live Sustainably II: results

The second edition of “Live Sustainably” took place in Máriahalom, Hungary, from 9th to 17th August 2022.

The training course lasted 8 intense days in which 23 participants from 10 different countries discovered, explored and discussed ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

We deep-dived into topics and concepts such as the three divides, the transformative learning model, critical thinking, systems thinking, eco-anxiety, eco-competences, greenwashing…

We experienced forest bathing, becoming animal, deep listening, speaking from the heart, intention-setting, connecting with nature…

We used Deep Ecology, the Work that Reconnects, the Way of Council, the learning tribes, journalling… as ways to guide and aid our shared learning experience.

Evaluation results:

We asked participants to give a score out of 10 to different aspects of the training, and these are the average scores that we got:

How useful was this training course for you?: 8,7

How much were the objectives of this course achieved?

• To provide participants with the possibility to understand more the current environmental situation locally and globally. 7,3
• To improve competences (knowledge, attitudes and abilities) to be able to choose a more respectful life with the planetary boundaries and to facilitate effectively a change of habits towards sustainability among the young people you work with. 8,6
• To equip educators/youth workers with methods and practices to be able to facilitate group processes with young people on sustainability-related issues. 8,6
• To encourage critical thinking to learn to unmask frequent phenomena such as “greenwashing” (fake sustainability). 9
• To share resources and tools to inform and raise awareness of young people about the importance of caring for the environment, inspire and motivate them to modify their lifestyles towards more sustainable ones. 9,1
• To join an international group of youth workers interested in promoting sustainability among the youth they work with. 9,4

How did the methods and tools that we used on this training course support your learning process? 8,5

How satisfied are you with the work of the trainers? 9,2

We, the trainers team, are humbled and overjoyed by the fantastic evaluation results that we’ve got!!

We thank the participants for their trust and involvement and we already look forward to a third edition of “Live Sustainably”!.

From left to right: Erika Karman, Ági Berecz and Esther Vallado, the 3 trainers in «Live Sustainably» second edition.

My experience at the Youth Environmental Education Congress

By Carmelo Zamora.

«From the 13th to 17th March 2022 I was delighted and honoured to take part in the Youth Environmental Education Congress (YEEC) in Prague as a youth delegate from Spain.

YEEC is a side event from the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC). Biodiversa supported us all the way and sent me and Nahia as Spanish participants at the congress. 

Carmelo and other participants in the congress during one of the outdoor activities.

During the congress, we delivered a message on the role of Youth in environmental sustainability education. The message was presented in the WEEC in the form of speeches, theatre, recycled poems, visual arts, comics and open space.

«Leading world educators and key actors in environmental education heard our message and now we will work on how to integrate it into their work.»

We also had the pleasure to discuss our message face to face with members of the European Commission, UNEP and the Ministry of Education and the Environment of the Czech Republic.

Throughout the week, we could also attend different workshops and interesting activities. There was a wide range of options, but I went to an activity organised by Hnutí Brontosaurus where we hung about 10 birdhouses around a local park.

Carmelo places a birdhouse in a local park during one of the activities included in the congress.

Another workshop I enjoyed a lot was an excursion to the Montessori school Na Beránku, there, the different teachers of the school showed us what they are doing about environmental education.

Another of the activities we enjoyed was a fair in which different organisations, projects and educators shared their work. Personally, I was proud to be representing and sharing how the University where I study (Linköpings Universitet) contributes to the field with the master’s programme I’m currently enrolled in (master’s programme of Outdoor and Sustainability Education).»

[This event was co-funded by the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union].

Youth Environmental Education Congress

The Youth Environmental Education Congress (YEEC) is organized as a side event of THE 11th WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CONGRESS (WEEC), from 13th to 17th March 2022, in Prague, Czech Republic.

The YEEC brings together active youth from across the world to inspire and support one another alongside experiencing an engaging 5-day programme. Working together, young people will deliver a message on youth needs and environmental education at the WEEC; they will discuss it with leading world educators and key actors in environmental education.

The YEEC focuses on the support and development of youth with active participation in public affairs, education, environmental, climate and sustainability issues. The program consists of interactive workshops, seminars, educational excursions and trips, round table discussions, team-building, group activities, presentations delivered by famous speakers participating at the WEEC and the final gala evening.

Biodiversa is offering 4 young people (18-26 years old at the time of the Congress) the opportunity to participate in the Congress almost free of charge. Biodiversa will cover for each selected participant:

– the participation fee (140 EUR);
– 100% of travel and accommodation costs (up to 300 EUR), if the participant avoids flying;
– 90% of travel and accommodation costs (also up to 300 EUR), if the participant travels by plane.

Reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs will be made after participation in the Congress, within the 10 days following the reception of all original receipts. Participants travelling by plane will need to compensate their CO2 emissions through Atmosfair to be eligible for reimbursement.  

If you are 18-26 years old, based in Spain, active in the fields of public affairs, education, environment, climate and sustainability and are interested in participating actively in the congress, apply for your place here now. 

Contact for questions: asociacionbiodiversa@gmail.com (att. Esther Vallado)

Deadline to apply: 27th September 2021

[This event is co-funded by the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union].

Experiencia: mi participación en el curso de formación «Youth for Enviromental Future»

Sebastián Rodriguez Merino, uno de los participantes seleccionados por Biodiversa para participar en el curso de formación «Youth for Enviromental Future, nos cuenta su experiencia en el mismo:

«Entre el 8 y el 15 de Julio de 2018 tuvo lugar un training course en Horka nad Moravou, muy cerca de Olomuc, en la República Checa. Nos dimos cita unos 30 participantes de más de 10 países europeos. El proyecto estuvo financiado por el programa Erasmus+.

Este training course, Youth for environmental future, tenía el antecedente de otro curso que también se celebró en la República Checa en el mes de marzo por parte de la asociación YEE-Youth and Environment Europe. El eje central de este curso fue la concienciación de los efectos del cambio climático, como afectan nuestras acciones al mismo y sobre todo cómo debemos ser participe en los procesos de tomas de decisiones. Es decir, animar y dotar a la juventud para que sea el motor de cambio en las acciones ambientales.

Sesión impartida en la sala de conferencias

Los métodos empleados en las sesiones fueron bastante variados. Desde ponencias, simulaciones, trabajos en grupos o parejas, con sus correspondientes presentaciones o debates. Sin embargo, en mi opinión se abusó de las ponencias y aún más teniendo en cuenta el formato de educación no-formal en el que se encuadran este tipo de proyectos. Las sesiones fueron impartidas tanto por los miembros de la asociación como por una ponente invitada, Zanna Vanrenterghem. Además tuvimos actividades como la presentación de todas las asociaciones que participaban o la noche intercultural, donde cada país representado en el proyecto ofreció degustaciones de comidas y bebidas populares en sus respectivos territorios.

Actividad «NGO Market», para la presentación de las diferentes asociaciones presentes en el proyecto

Mencionar además el espectacular emplazamiento donde se desarrolló el proyecto, el centro ecológico Slunakov. El edificio donde estaban tanto las habitaciones, comedor o sala de conferencia tenía un diseño enfocado en la eficiencia energética. Iba en la línea del tema tratado en el proyecto. El primer día desde el propio centro ecológico se organizó una visita por las instalaciones en la cual explicaron los objetivos y políticas que tienen.»

Visita organizada por el centro ecológico Slunakov para los participantes del proyecto

Desde Biodiversa nos alegramos de que Sebastián haya aprovechado este curso y le agradecemos la elaboración de este relato.

Experiencia: intercambio juvenil «Art for the Environment»

Entrada elaborada por Maria Isabel Jimenez Crespo (Marisa) sobre su participación en el intercambio juvenil «Art for the Environment»:

«Del 9 al 15 de noviembre, 6 jóvenes españoles tuvimos la gran oportunidad de participar en el intercambio juvenil “Art for the Environment” en un entorno idóneo y maravilloso de Brno, República Checa. En dicho intercambio aprendimos y profundizamos conocimientos acerca del medio ambiente, a través de la realización de diferentes técnicas artísticas: murales, móviles, maquetas, graffitis ecológicos, reciclaje creativo, juegos… Durante esa semana convivimos con participantes de Portugal, Inglaterra, República Checa y Albania, que también formaban parte del intercambio.

De izquierda a derecha Alexandra, Marisa, Tere, Leticia, Raquel y Pablo, representantes de Biodiversa en el intercambio juvenil «Art for the Environment».

Personalmente, ha sido una semana muy enriquecedora, tanto a nivel personal como profesional. Ya que he tenido la suerte de convivir con personas de diferentes culturas e idiomas y poder compartir con ellos a través del arte aspectos medio ambientales, desde la pérdida de biodiversidad, reducción del consumo…

Móvil realizado durante el taller que prepararon los representantes de Biodiversa durante el intercambio.

Me llevo en la mochila una experiencia increíble, cargada de nuevos conocimientos, recuerdos imborrables, y el haber podido conocer a nuevas personas, que hace que recomiende a todo el mundo esta experiencia y que me quede encantada y con muchas ganas de repetir.»

Youth Exchange «Art for the Environment» – Call for participants

Youth Exchange «Art for the Environment»
When: 9-15 November 2015
Where: Kapraluv Mlyn, Ochoz u Brna, Czech Republic

The Youth Exchange:

This Youth Exchange is about using art and creative ideas for environmental projects. It will bring young people together to learn from each other by exchanging skills, knowledge and experiences in a non-formal setting. During the youth exchange the participants will be responsible for facilitating workshops and supporting each other. Although they will share enthusiasm for sustainable lifestyles and protecting the planet, their views may be challenged in an intercultural setting where they learn new things.

Aims and objectives:

The aim of the youth exchange is to provide a space for participants to share and develop their creative skills in order to create environmental projects to support their organisations and communities.

Objectives:

– Develop participants’ creative and communication skills to support their personal and professional development;
– Provide a space for intercultural exchange by sharing arts and music from different cultures;
– Explore creative ways to raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues in local communities around Europe;
– Connect participants to their local communities and to each other.

Financial conditions and travel costs:

The Youth Exchange will be implemented in the frame of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission. The accommodation, food, visa fees and materials will be covered fully by the grant. Insurance is obligatory and should be arranged and covered by each participant (the European Heatlh Insurance Card from the Spanish Social Security is sufficient to this effect).

According to rules of the Erasmus+ Programme, the travel expenses will be covered up to 170 EUR per person. Travel costs will be reimbursed to all participants after submitting necessary travel documents (original tickets/invoices + boarding passes) and after filling in the form in the Mobility tool.

You will be required to contribute to Biodiversa with 20 EUR towards the participant’s management costs.

How to apply:

Biodiversa is selecting 4 participants from Spain, who are expected to:

– Live in Spain,
– Be between 18 and 30 years old,
– Be active in environmental protection (as volunteers or professionals),
– Have creative skills to share (as artists or amateurs),
– Be interested in intercultural exchanges,
– Would like to organise an activity connected with art and the environment.
– As the common language in the youth exchange will be English, participants should be able to communicate fluently in this language.

To apply for participation complete this form and send it by email to Teresa Llopis, the group leader (nenalkazar@hotmail.com), putting Biodiversa in copy (asociacionbiodiversa@gmail.com) before 1st October stating “(Your name and surname) – Application for Art for the Environment” in the subject line.

EVS in an environmental NGO in Latvia

Our friends from «Homo Ecos» are looking for 2 volunteers to work with them for a long-term project (12 months) in their office in Rīga, Latvia.

If you are:
– ready to spend a year (from March 2016) in Rīga, Latvia;
– 18-30 years old;
– able to work as part of a team;
– passionate about the environment;
– ready to organize creative events and social/PR campaigns;
– and willing to inform and educate kids, youth and adults about environmental issues…

… then «Homo Ecos» would love to welcome you as their new EVS volunteer!

How to apply:
Please send your CV and application form to evs@homoecos.lv no later than Sunday 30 August 2015.

For more information, check the full call for volunteers.

How to be a green entrepreneur – second chance to join this great project!

Our colleagues from Youth and Environment Europe are extending the deadline to apply for the training course «How to be a green entrepreneur», which will take place in Prague from 12th to 20th October this year. So if you haven’t sent your application yet, you are still on time to join this fantastic project! The new deadline is 6th September 2015.

Call for group leader for the youth exchange «Art for the Environment»

Youth Exchange  ‘Art for the Environment’
When: 9-15 November 2015
Where: Kapraluv Mlyn, Ochoz u Brna, Czech Republic

Biodiversa is selecting a group leader for the forthcoming youth exchange «Art for the Environment».

Role of the group leader:
– Involved in all stages of the project – active member of the project team;
– Taking part in online preparatory meetings with other group leaders – the meetings will be organised every two weeks;