ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Venue: Łódź, Poland
Dates: 31 July—15 August 2024
Czech team: 6 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Edu4You Foundation
Project report:
The Erasmus+ project "Coming Back to Nature" was an exciting, insightful, and eye-opening experience held in Łódź, Poland, from the 31st of July to the 15th of August. Participants from Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania came together for a memorable journey into sustainability, ecological awareness, and cultural exchange.
The program kicked off with a language and cultural preparation workshop. We got to know each other through fun activities like sharing quirky details about ourselves (celebrity crushes were a hot topic!) and talking about what’s unique in our countries – from food and famous people to local ecological issues.
Next, we got to explore Łódź with a guided city tour. Although it is an often overlooked city, we discovered vibrant streets and rich history. It was fascinating to see how Łódź blends the old with the new!
Our first activity was an Eco Challenge. We designed questionnaires on hot topics like global warming, fast fashion, and eco-friendly habits. Based on the responses, we created informative social media posts to spark conversations about these issues within our networks. It felt empowering to take small steps that could ripple out to create big change.
We explored the science behind global environmental issues like microplastics, deforestation, and air pollution. Through videos and discussions, we identified solutions already being implemented and brainstormed how individuals can make a difference. The session highlighted how even small actions can have a positive impact and how many solutions are already out there – we just need to act!
We also had thoughtful discussions about sustainability and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. It was eye-opening to realize how interconnected these goals are and how they relate to everything from poverty to climate action.
Getting our hands dirty in the botanical garden was one of the highlights. We tied lavender and lovage twigs, learning how they can be used as natural bug repellents. The connection to nature felt very real, reminding us how simple solutions can often be the most effective.
And because all the problems can feel overpowering and the world runs so fast, it’s easy to get lost. To forget about our own well-being. That’s when we learned how to find peace in nature. We walked barefoot in the forest, blindfolded, focusing on our senses. It was a calming activity that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in nature and reflect on the importance of slowing down.
We wrapped things up by rolling up our sleeves and cleaning up a local forest that had been turned into an illegal dumping site. Working together to restore this natural space was both rewarding and a powerful reminder of how much we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.
In conclusion, “Coming Back to Nature” wasn’t just a learning experience – it was about building friendships, growing together, and realizing the impact each of us can have. We returned home not only with new knowledge but also with the motivation to keep promoting eco-friendly practices in our communities.
Hana U.
