Have you ever felt helpless in the face of climate change challenges? Certainly, many young people today experience a sense of loss, often defined as “eco-anxiety” or “eco-distress.” To respond to this challenge, Youth for Earth (Y4E) was born. It is a European initiative that aims to transform concern into community action.
First of all, the project stems from the collaboration between APS Polygonal (Italy) and Civil Connections (Denmark). The main objective is to provide young people between the ages of 18 and 30 with the necessary tools to become true “agents of change.” If you want to learn more about how Polygonal supports sustainability, visit our Green Advisor section.
The “Pedagogy of Hope”: The Heart of Y4E
The Youth for Earth Y4E project is not limited to studying environmental problems in books. On the contrary, it uses a methodology called the “pedagogy of hope.” In fact, through teamwork and intercultural comparison, participants learn that change is possible if we act together and immediately.
For example, participants are involved in different operational phases:
- Identification of challenges: mapping the climate and socio-economic issues of their territory.
- International Exchanges: intensive workshops in Copenhagen and the province of Latina to exchange ideas and best practices.
- Local micro-projects: young people design and implement concrete initiatives to improve their community.
According to the European Commission guidelines, these activities promote active citizenship and environmental sustainability.
Cultural Exchanges between Denmark and Italy
A central point of Youth for Earth is the connection between different realities, such as rural areas and highly urbanized zones. However, it is not just about traveling. The exchanges include specific training on “green” skills, critical thinking, and project design.
In addition, all travel, food, and accommodation expenses are covered by the Erasmus+ fund. Therefore, this is a totally free and accessible opportunity for young people who want to get involved, with a special priority for those living in marginalized situations.
How to Participate and Make a Difference
In short, the project wants to demonstrate that even small initiatives can have a great social impact. Currently, local activities include coaching and mentoring sessions to support young people in realizing their ideas.
Certainly, the future of the planet depends on our actions today. For this reason, we invite you to follow Polygonal’s social channels so you don’t miss the next calls for participation in Youth for Earth.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.