ALTERNATIVE CRAFTS – INCLUSIVE NON-FORMAL PATHWAYS FOR YOUNGSTERS (Part B)

Alternative Crafts – Inclusive non-formal pathways for youngsters (Part B)

Youth exchange 03/07/2024 – 09/07/2024 in Athens, Greece. 

EKO is happy to announce that the second of the three mobilities for the trilateral youth exchange has been completed successfully. The “Alternative Crafts” project united 21 young participants from Portugal, Greece, and France. It was coordinated by the Portuguese Municipality Vila do Conde, implemented by EKO, and took place in Athens (Greece) from 03 to 09 July 2024. 

Aims & Objectives of the project 

The youth exchange “Alternative Crafts” aimed to enhance competence in environmental sustainability through the development of crucial skills in young people and communities. 

More specifically the objectives were:

• Focus on the environment by using construction techniques to improve climate-related skills;

• Explore how young people and communities can address global environmental issues through education and action;

• Learn about the environmental benefits of sustainable construction, adopt eco-friendly behaviors, and preserve traditional crafts to boost sustainable tourism.

Workshops & Activities of the project 

During the five-day exchange, the participants worked with a non-formal methodology, icebreakers, energizers, team/group work, interactive and creative workshops, open space workshops, discussions, evaluation, role-playing, and informal gatherings. Participants got challenged to develop their creativity by making art from things they found in nature. They also visited beautiful places in Athens (Acropolis, Parthenon, Stavros Niarchos Cultural Foundation, National Library, and Averof Museum). They had many workshops on sustainability and the environment. But at the same time, they had the chance to explore the history of the Greek navy and the Greek techniques in ship building. All participants developed different skills and competencies while acquiring new knowledge. They were able to develop important skills such as a sense of initiative, creativity, teamwork, the ability to energize, practice languages, reflection, and critical thinking. 

An amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team

Lito, Dimitirios, Panagiota, Agapi, Vivien, George, Konstantina, and Caroline were the members of this amazing Greek team whom we want to thank for all their contribution and collaboration throughout the project!

As EKO, we are very grateful and proud of this fruitful partnership and for the amazing opportunity that was given to all the Greek, French, and Portuguese young participants. So, we want to thank our Portuguese partner Vila do Conde, and the French partner I.F.E Cote Vermeille. 

Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – Obrigado.