Erasmus+ Project “LAONA FOR YOUTH, YOUTH FOR LAONA”

We are delighted to share the results of our recent Erasmus+ project “LAONA FOR YOUTH, YOUTH FOR LAONA,” which took place from September 4 to 12, 2023. This international youth exchange project aimed to promote eco-friendly behavior, active citizenship, and initiative among young people, providing a platform for intercultural learning and collaboration in the Laona region of Cyprus.

The main goals of the project were to raise awareness about the climate crisis, encourage active participation, and inspire behavioral change towards a more sustainable future. By focusing on environmental protection, sustainability, and civic activism, we sought to motivate young participants to become environmentally friendly European citizens, enhancing their critical thinking and observational skills related to environmental issues.

Participants were encouraged to explore sustainable practices and learn digital tools for creating social campaigns that promote a sustainable and green environment. Through various non-formal educational activities, they were guided to reflect on their behavior and the possibilities for positive change, both individually and within their communities.

Enthusiastic participants aged 18 to 30, along with a dedicated group leader, were selected based on their commitment to environmental protection, sustainability, and activism. These individuals demonstrated a strong interest in sustainability issues and a desire to share their experiences and knowledge within their communities.

The short-term impact of the project has been significant, increasing motivation among young people to adopt eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about the importance of active EU citizenship in promoting a green environment. Participants also acquired skills in using digital tools to support sustainable practices and developed critical thinking skills related to environmental issues.

One of the project’s success stories was the waste collection and sorting activity in the Laona region. Participants actively engaged in this activity, making an environmentally friendly contribution by cleaning and sorting waste, promoting a clean environment and resource reuse. During the cleaning activities, participants collected over 350 kg of waste in the Laona region and an additional 150 kg while cleaning a public beach on the coast of Paphos city.

We organized intercultural night as mini-festival, where participants performed for the invited local community. Participants sang, danced, and the locals joined in traditional dances. The young participants showcased their talents, including acrobatics, original songs, juggling, and fire shows. For some, this was a significant step in overcoming shyness in public performances, and we are delighted that they had such a positive experience and were able to express themselves.

We are proud of the results and impact of our project and believe that this experience will inspire even more young people to join Erasmus+ programs. Together, we can create positive change and promote sustainable development, mental well-being, and social inclusion. So, friends, join us and become part of this fantastic initiative!

We express our gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters for their active help and support during the project. We highly value your efforts and commitment, which helped create an unforgettable experience and strengthen the bonds between young people and the local community. Together, we are creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

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Co-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, European Commission or Latvian National Agency (Agency for International Programs for Youth) neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.