ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Dates: 2—10 July 2025
Venue: Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Czech team: 4 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Bratislava Policy Institute
Project report:
At the beginning of July, I had the amazing opportunity to take part in an Erasmus+ project called “WearAware”, which took place in the beautiful and historic town of Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. The project was organized by Bratislava Policy Institute and focused on raising awareness about the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion and textile waste, while also encouraging young people to adopt more sustainable practices in fashion.
The international atmosphere was truly special. I had the chance to meet participants not only from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Turkey, but also—thanks to the Hungarian group—make friends with people originally from Mongolia, the Philippines, and Pakistan. It was an incredibly enriching cultural experience.
Throughout the project, we explored the topic of fast fashion from many different angles. We reflected on why we personally shop in fast fashion stores, what habits we have, and what realistic steps we can take to change them. One of the most interesting activities was when we took on the roles of factory workers, brand managers, and consumers, and tried to understand each side of the system. Thanks to the perspectives of participants from countries where fast fashion products are often made, I gained completely new insights I wouldn’t get elsewhere.
A creative highlight was our upcycling workshop in Banská Bystrica, where we gave a second life to old clothes through embroidery and other customizations. We also visited a local company called Svetro, which produces 100% wool products. This excursion was truly fascinating and gave us a practical look at more sustainable ways of clothing production.
Toward the end of the project, we worked in small international teams to design our own sustainable fashion campaigns. We created posters, videos, and presentations for initiatives that could be realistically implemented in our home communities.
But the project was not just about learning – it was also full of fun, connection, and unforgettable moments. We spent time together swimming in the lake, exploring the charming old town, visiting local festival and markets, and climbing to the beautiful Kalvária viewpoint. Many evenings were filled with laughter, dancing, and singing, and I truly believe the friendships we built will last far beyond this project.
I want to thank Radka and Romi for making this wonderful experience possible. It was an honor to meet you and to be part of such a meaningful and inspiring project.
Aneta N.
