The future of a socially, ecologically and economically resilient Europe needs young change makers and optimism. This youth exchange aims to inspire young people by giving them a first hand experience on the cutting edge sustainable solutions practiced in ecovillages. It offers them the opportunity to exchange perspectives within their European peers about about global future and things that they care about in life. It offers the opportunity to discuss and experiment aspects of the four dimensions of sustainability identified and practiced within the global ecovillage movement: social, ecological, economical and cultural sustainability. This youth exchange is part of the internationally indicated aim of developing, enforcing and disseminating practices of youth participation in european ecovillages.
The exchange brings together 20 youngsters between the ages of 18-25 from the Netherlands, Finland, Slovenia and Spain. They are accompanied by five youth leaders who hold the space for this experience. This exchange is embedded in the inspiring environment of Ecovillage Bergen and the everyday life of its residents - an old army airport that is being transformed into a natural paradise and a home for many. The aim of this program is to open space for dynamic exchange of perspectives and skills, implementing and experimenting with participatory methodologies, hands-on learning, self expression through arts and empowered communication skills. A horizontal organization framework, sociocracy, is being used for taking care of daily activities and decision making. This engages everyone in teamwork, rotation of tasks and taking leadership over one’s own experience.
The expected outcome is to engage more youth in the realities lived in European ecovillages, representing centers of knowledge in a communal and cooperative lifeway, low-carbon footprint and innovative forms of green entrepreneurship. This youth exchange encourages youngsters to step into leadership in their own lives, local communities and in constructing the sustainable and flourishing future that our planet deserves. The project will have direct impact on particular youngsters, who get to develop their personal competences and bond with like minded peers on an international level. It strenghtens the european network of young people interested in sustainability. The activity contributes to the development of quality youth activities within the national and international networks linked to the project directly and indirectly. These networks share the interest for expanding their activities within the field of youth and education for sustainability.
The exchange brings together 20 youngsters between the ages of 18-25 from the Netherlands, Finland, Slovenia and Spain. They are accompanied by five youth leaders who hold the space for this experience. This exchange is embedded in the inspiring environment of Ecovillage Bergen and the everyday life of its residents - an old army airport that is being transformed into a natural paradise and a home for many. The aim of this program is to open space for dynamic exchange of perspectives and skills, implementing and experimenting with participatory methodologies, hands-on learning, self expression through arts and empowered communication skills. A horizontal organization framework, sociocracy, is being used for taking care of daily activities and decision making. This engages everyone in teamwork, rotation of tasks and taking leadership over one’s own experience.
The expected outcome is to engage more youth in the realities lived in European ecovillages, representing centers of knowledge in a communal and cooperative lifeway, low-carbon footprint and innovative forms of green entrepreneurship. This youth exchange encourages youngsters to step into leadership in their own lives, local communities and in constructing the sustainable and flourishing future that our planet deserves. The project will have direct impact on particular youngsters, who get to develop their personal competences and bond with like minded peers on an international level. It strenghtens the european network of young people interested in sustainability. The activity contributes to the development of quality youth activities within the national and international networks linked to the project directly and indirectly. These networks share the interest for expanding their activities within the field of youth and education for sustainability.
Sustainability – Creativity – English Language Immersion – Permaculture Gardening
Ecovillage Life – Sociocratic Desicion Making – Skill Sharing – Social Tools
Co-Created Learning Experience - Green Building – New Ideas – Friends Around Europe
Hope for a Flourishing Global Future – Sense of Community – Personal Direction
Ecovillage Life – Sociocratic Desicion Making – Skill Sharing – Social Tools
Co-Created Learning Experience - Green Building – New Ideas – Friends Around Europe
Hope for a Flourishing Global Future – Sense of Community – Personal Direction
pARTNER ORGANISATIONS
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nETHERLANDS
Stichting Ecodorpen Netwerk
In the Dutch ecovillage network are 35-40 community initiatives and ecovillages in the Netherlands are actively involved. The aims include support of existing and emerging initiatives, lobby, research, education, information and networking.
www.ecodorpennetwerk.nl sPAIN
Red Iberica de Ecoaldeas
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Finland
GEN Finland
GEN-Finland is a national network of ecovillages and individuals who are interested in communal and sustainable lifestyle. The aim is to promote sustainable lifestyle and communality and to develop new forms of them.
www.genfinland.fi sLOVENIA
Društvo Preplet
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Iberian Ecovillages Network is among the oldest networks of ecological community projects in Europe. Currently the association has 42 members in Spain and Portugal, mostly consisting of ecovillages, intentional communities and sustainable settlements.
www.rie.ecovillage.org |
NGO that aims to establish opportunities for children and youth based on the values of ecological sustainability and social inclusion. Partners in Erasmus+ project Bridgedale360 creating online learning tool box for youth-workers on sustainable living and active citizenship.
www.preplet.org |