For Tredu Club was “Can’t You SEA?” was the first Erasmus+ youth project. We spent eight days in Pissouri, Cyprus, with 36 young people and 12 leaders from six countries. It was about marine conservation, climate change and sustainable action. But above all, it was about what happened between the program points: European exchange, joint learning, new perspectives and the desire for further Erasmus+ experiences.
What we have done
Day 1 – Arriving, getting to know each other and team building in Pissouri. Introduction to the Youthpass skills and lots of icebreakers to get off to a good start as an international group.
Day 2 – In-depth introduction to the topic with a World Café. Working with data and the SDG Index. Reflection on personal CO₂ footprints and a comparison of the realities in the participating countries.
Day 3 – The Adopt the Beach initiative on site, accompanied by experts. Creative sessions with pebble painting and storytelling, mindfulness exercises on the sustainable use of spaces. Austrian and Cypriot culture in the evening.
Day 4 – Theatre of the Oppressed with a focus on marine conservation. Specific leader activities on trust, improvisation and image work. Cultural evening with insights from Germany and Lithuania.
Day 5 – Cultural excursion to Paphos. Discussions with local people about the challenges facing the sea and the coasts.
Day 6 – Working with social media and campaigns. Pitching to a jury and how to present innovations in a convincing way. Introduction to marine protected areas and their establishment. Cultural evening with contributions from Romania and North Macedonia.
Day 7 – Hiking around Pissouri and practical video work for project communication.
Day 8 – Visit to the Chamber of Commerce in Limassol and the Kourion archaeological site. Joint evaluation, planning of follow-ups and Youthpass ceremony.
More than workshops
The workshops and activities provided content and methods. The time in between was just as important. A lively European togetherness was created during meals together, exchanges in small groups and in the evening programs. The young people got to know Cyprus first-hand, dealt with marine conservation in the Mediterranean context and developed practical ideas for their communities. At the same time, their understanding of different cultures, ways of working and understandings of time grew. Many made contacts that could lead to new collaborations.
Our conclusion as Tredu Club
It was the first youth project for us as an organization. We learned a lot about the set-up, structure and process of a Youth Exchange, collected best practices and gained clarity about what we would like to do ourselves next time. In terms of content, the topic of the environment and sustainability fits in very well with our association’s goals. The group from Austria got involved, developed ideas in advance and took responsibility on site. The feedback from the participants is very positive. They took away specialist knowledge, media and project skills as well as new friendships.
What happens next
We will publish on our website and in our newsletter about the follow-ups. Local activities are planned in which results from Cyprus will be passed on and implemented. We feel well prepared for future Erasmus+ projects and look forward to continuing on this path together with our partners and young people. You can find all information on upcoming projects and current calls here on the website and in our newsletter.
Many thanks to all participants, to the partner organizations and to the hosts in Cyprus for the good cooperation and the excellent framework conditions.
