From 09 to 15 November 2024, we took part in Greener Than Ever, an Erasmus+ youth exchange in Šibenik, Croatia.
The project brought together young people from Croatia, Georgia, Lithuania, North Macedonia and Türkiye. Each national team included four participants aged 17 to 30 and one group leader.
What was Greener Than Ever about?
Greener Than Ever focused on climate change, sustainability and environmental action.
The project looked at ways young people can become more involved in environmental activities in their own communities.
Participants discussed climate change and sustainable development. They also explored green practices and different ways of talking about environmental issues with other young people.
The programme then moved from discussion to action.
Participants were involved in clean-up activities in Šibenik and the surrounding area. Planting activities were also included in the programme.
Who took part in Greener Than Ever?
Young people from five countries took part in the youth exchange: Croatia, Georgia, Lithuania, North Macedonia and Türkiye.
Youth for Change represented North Macedonia.
Each national team was expected to include five people. Four were participants between 17 and 30 years old, while the fifth person was the group leader.
The project was hosted by Udruga mladih "Mladi u EU" from Šibenik.
What did participants actually do?
The project mixed environmental education with activities outside the training room.
Participants took part in clean-up actions in natural areas in Šibenik or the surrounding county. Planting was another activity included in the programme.
The group also interacted with local people. These conversations were used to learn more about the needs of people living in the area.
Before travelling to Croatia, each national team prepared examples of sustainability and climate actions from its own community.
We also prepared a presentation about Youth for Change and our work in North Macedonia.
During the youth exchange, participants could compare these examples and discuss ideas that could later be adapted to their own communities.
The project also included intercultural activities. National teams shared food, flags, language, music and other parts of their cultures with the international group.
At the end of the activity, participants received a Youthpass certificate.
Where did we stay in Šibenik?
Participants stayed at Hostel Scala in Šibenik.
What did it cost to take part?
Participants were reimbursed for their travel costs according to the Erasmus+ Distance Calculator. The project followed the Erasmus+ guidelines for the mobility.
How did the project connect climate topics with action?
Greener Than Ever included practical environmental activities alongside discussions about climate change.
Clean-up actions gave participants a chance to work directly in natural areas. Planting activities were another part of the planned programme.
Participants also spoke with local people to better understand environmental needs in the community.
The national teams brought examples from their own countries as well.
This meant participants could compare what was already being done in Croatia, Georgia, Lithuania, North Macedonia and Türkiye and discuss which ideas could work back home.
What did YFCH bring to the project?
Our group represented North Macedonia and Youth for Change during the youth exchange.
Before the project, we prepared examples of sustainability and climate action from our community. We also introduced the work of YFCH to the other participants.
During the week, our participants worked alongside young people from four other countries.
The activities gave the group examples of environmental actions that can also be adapted locally, including clean-up activities and work with young people around sustainability.
How can you join the next YFCH youth exchange?
Youth for Change regularly sends young people from North Macedonia to Erasmus+ youth exchanges in different European countries.
Greener Than Ever was open to participants aged 17 to 30, with a separate group leader role. Other youth exchanges can have different age requirements.
Always check the dates, age requirements, topic and participant profile before applying.
Want to join one of our next projects? Check the Youth for Change website for new opportunities or contact us at contact@yfch.org.
Erasmus+ Programme
of the European Union
