You(th) and WATER
This youth mobility project brought together 24 participants from Malta, Hungary, Turkey, and the Czech Republic and was successfully implemented in the city of Karviná. The mobility was designed in two complementary phases, combining non-formal environmental education with digital skill development to ensure both knowledge acquisition and practical application.
During the first phase, participants engaged in interactive training focused on water and sustainable water management at the individual and community levels. Through a variety of non-formal educational methods, the group explored the fundamental importance of water, the consequences of climate change, and the mechanisms of resilient water management. Workshops included simulation games on surviving with limited water resources, group discussions addressing global and local water-related challenges, and thematic presentations on droughts, floods, water scarcity, and water inequality. Participants also compared water conditions in their home countries, conducted water diplomacy simulations, and examined how unequal access to water influences social and economic disparities worldwide. This phase significantly broadened their technical and environmental knowledge, enhancing their understanding of water reuse, recycling processes, and climate change impacts.
The second phase focused on strengthening participants’ digital competencies. Guided sessions enabled them to design and produce interactive video spots for a social media campaign dedicated to sustainable water management and climate change awareness. This digital component allowed participants not only to communicate environmental issues creatively but also to develop practical multimedia skills related to video editing, online communication, and digital storytelling.
Overall, the project contributed substantially to raising environmental awareness while enhancing digital literacy, teamwork, leadership, and intercultural communication skills.
1. Increasing awareness of the value of water and climate change
The project resulted in a notable increase in environmental awareness among participants. They developed a deeper appreciation of the essential value of water, the global implications of climate change, and the urgency of sustainable water management. Through structured workshops and reflection activities, they gained technical insights into topics such as water recycling, water reuse mechanisms, climate-induced hazards, and inequalities linked to water access. During the final evaluation, participants emphasized that the mobility significantly enriched their environmental knowledge and strengthened their sense of responsibility toward water conservation.
2. Deepening key competencies
In addition to environmental learning, the project strengthened several key competencies. Participants improved their teamwork and leadership abilities, practiced multicultural communication, and learned how to collaborate effectively within an international group. They significantly developed their digital skills through the creation of awareness-raising video spots for the social media campaign, gaining experience in digital media production and online advocacy. All progress and learning outcomes were systematically documented in personal Learning Diaries and reflected in the Youthpass certificates.
3. Promotional videos
A series of promotional videos was produced as the main output of the digital phase. These videos were disseminated through a social media campaign and published on the “Karviná Sustainably” Facebook page, reaching a broader audience and raising public awareness about sustainable water use, climate change, and environmental protection. The campaign contributed to expanding the project’s visibility beyond the immediate group of participants.
IMPACT
The project generated a lasting impact on participants’ attitudes and behaviors. Many expressed a shift in their daily approach to water consumption and demonstrated a stronger commitment to adopting environmentally responsible habits. The experience motivated participants to engage in civic and community-based initiatives focused on sustainability, contributing to increased awareness of climate change and responsible resource management in their local contexts. Several participants also indicated a desire to continue active involvement in civic engagement initiatives related to climate action, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Culturally, the mobility strengthened a sense of European identity and mutual understanding. Sharing experiences about water conditions in different countries encouraged cross-cultural dialogue, helped eliminate stereotypes, and reinforced solidarity among participants. This intercultural dimension fostered stronger interpersonal bonds and promoted unity across national borders.
Finally, the project effectively promoted the opportunities provided through Erasmus+. Participants gained a clearer understanding of the program’s benefits, leading many to express interest in continuing their engagement through future Erasmus+ activities related to sustainability, inclusion, and civic participation. This increased motivation highlights the project’s success in inspiring ongoing learning, collaboration, and active citizenship.
If you want, I can also format this text as a final report section, an Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility Report, or a webpage description.
