Project Overview From May 24th to May 31st, 2026, the city of Cologne, Germany, hosted the transformative Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project, “Plastic free green future”. Coordinated by Migrafrica, this initiative was driven by the urgent need to transform environmental concern into meaningful action. Recognizing that millions of tons of plastic waste are generated annually despite growing public concern, the project aimed to empower young people to rethink their relationship with plastic, consumption, and waste. Instead of merely raising awareness, the program provided hands-on knowledge and practical methods for reducing plastic use, improving recycling habits, and promoting circular economy principles.
Participating Countries & Youth Representation This collaborative exchange united dynamic national teams from six countries: Germany, Serbia, Spain, Belgium, Türkiye, and North Macedonia. Each national team was composed of six participants—five young people aged 18 to 30 and one experienced group leader. The project prioritized inclusivity and gender balance (50-50%), bringing together a mix of experienced youth workers and newcomers ready to tackle shared European environmental challenges.
Main Activities Moving beyond traditional theory, the exchange emphasized experiential learning, critical thinking, and collective problem-solving. Throughout the week, participants engaged in a diverse range of non-formal educational activities, including:
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Interactive workshops, role-playing, simulations, and outdoor activities.
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Panel expert discussions, debates, and presentations of sustainable national practices.
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A practical visit in the field of entrepreneurship, complemented by cultural visits.
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Digital advocacy workshops focusing on video creation (such as Instagram Reels) and the design of materials for rising public awareness campaigns.
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Team-building energizers, daily reflections, and dedicated intercultural nights to share personal experiences and break down stereotypes.
Project Outcomes & Lasting Impact The “Plastic free green future” project successfully empowered participants to become active initiators of local green campaigns rather than passive supporters of environmental protection. Key outcomes include.
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Competence Recognition: Participants strengthened their ecological literacy and officially documented their learning outcomes using the Erasmus+ Youthpass certificate.
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Digital Dissemination: Youth leaders collaboratively created promotional materials—including pictures and short videos—to advocate for sustainable lifestyles across social media platforms.
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Local Community Action: To ensure the project’s sustainability and wide-reaching impact, each national group is organizing a mandatory follow-up event in their home country, engaging at least 30 local participants to share the exchange’s results.
- Intercultural Solidarity: By connecting shared environmental responsibilities with intercultural dialogue, the project fostered long-term cooperation and solidarity among Europe’s next generation of eco-leaders.
This project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus Plus program.
