EKO was thrilled to host a youth worker from our Dutch partner, Stichting yEUth, in Athens, Greece, from April 21 to May 05, 2025, as part of the short-term international exchange under the Erasmus+ KA2 ECHOES project. The exchange brought together youth workers from both organizations to collaborate on youth-led climate action and civic engagement.

The aim was to promote cross-cultural cooperation and equip youth workers with practical tools to more effectively engage young people in climate advocacy. The participant from yEUth explored EKO’s climate initiatives, discovered strategies to empower local youth, and built valuable connections with local stakeholders and organizations.

Two field visits were organized during the mobility. The first was to the Hellenic Ornithological Society (https://ornithologiki.gr/en/) , where both Dutch and Greek participants learned about the organization’s mission to protect birds and their habitats through science-based actions, awareness campaigns, partnerships, and citizen engagement, as well as the challenges they face.

The second visit was to the “Socrates” Dog Shelter of the Municipality of Athens (https://www.instagram.com/animals_cityofathens). Here, participants were introduced to the shelter’s work, the issues it addresses, and had the special opportunity to walk dogs awaiting adoption.

EKO sincerely thanks both organizations for their warm hospitality. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our partner yEUth for being part of this meaningful exchange, and to CERA, our coordinating partner, for making this impactful experience possible!