The ECOMOTIONS Youth Exchange offered young people a unique opportunity to develop personally while connecting with nature, sustainability, and one another. Through a variety of outdoor and experiential learning activities, participants strengthened their teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while gaining greater self-confidence and emotional awareness. A particular highlight of the project was the strong focus on learning through nature. Participants took part in mountain walks, hiking activities, outdoor role-playing games, mindfulness exercises, archery, sustainable sports, team-building challenges, and the excursion to Skepasmenos Gorge. These activities encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, improve cooperation, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. The exchange also increased environmental awareness through workshops on climate change, sustainability, eco-friendly lifestyles, and environmental action. Visits to local producers and interactive sustainability activities helped participants understand the importance of responsible consumption and sustainable community development. Through intercultural evenings, cultural exchanges, and collaborative workshops, participants built friendships across borders, improved their language and social skills, and gained a stronger sense of European citizenship and inclusion. By the end of the project, participants left with unforgettable experiences, stronger connections to nature, greater environmental responsibility, enhanced emotional intelligence, and the motivation to become active, responsible, and engaged young citizens in their communities.
“ECOMOTIONS!”
Youth Exchange 20/07/2025 – 29/07/2025 in Velvento, Kozani,Greece
EKO is happy to announce that one more amazing youth exchange has been completed successfully. The project “ECOMOTIONS” united 36 participants from Spain, Greece, and Poland. It was organised by the Greek organisation EKO GREECE, and took place in Velvento,Kozani,Greece from 20 to 29 July 2025.
Aims & Objectives of the project
This youth exchange empowered participants to develop personally, emotionally, and socially, helping them navigate the challenges of adulthood and become engaged, empathetic citizens and volunteers. Through interactive and collaborative activities, participants learned how to build strong relationships, strengthen their emotional intelligence, and foster a deeper sense of civic responsibility.
The project also placed a strong emphasis on environmental awareness and sustainability. Participants took part in hands-on activities promoting green practices, upcycling, and eco-conscious living, encouraging them to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives and communities.
Moreover, the project aimed to enhance participants’ digital, language, and civic skills by promoting intercultural exchange and democratic participation. Through the creative use of digital tools, participants collaborated across cultures, shared their perspectives, and learned how to effectively communicate and take action on important social and environmental issues.
More specifically, the project aims to:
-Promote intercultural understanding and active citizenship by engaging young people in sharing cultural narratives that challenge stereotypes, xenophobia, and nationalism, and motivate them to take an active role in addressing societal issues like democracy and climate change.
-Develop communication skills and combat social isolation by encouraging personal interactions that help participants overcome social isolation exacerbated by digitalisation, fostering meaningful exchange and cooperation.
-Promote environmental awareness and digital literacy by providing a space for discussions on climate change and sustainability, while equipping participants with digital skills for storytelling, advocacy, and civic participation.
Workshops & Activities of the project
It is an amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team!
Anna, Dimitris, Triantafyllia, Kyriakos, Evdoxia, Konstantinos, Evanthia, Aineias, Thomai, Ntinos, Emmanouela and Konstantina were the amazing Greek team members whom we want to thank for all their contributions and collaboration throughout the project!
As EKO, we are very grateful for that amazing opportunity given to the Greek team. We thank our Polish partner KOMENDA GŁÓWNA OCHOTNICZYCH HUFCÓW PRACY for trusting and allowing us to organise this impactful project!
Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – Dziękuję!
