Projects
Our first youth exchange, Dream Youth Active: More for Less Nylon took place from 28 June to 5 July 2022 in Rome, Italy.
The widespread use of plastic bags, estimated at 500 billion to 1 trillion annually, has become a global environmental and health concern. These bags contribute to pollution and have been linked to health risks, particularly when used to store food. If their usage continues, the environmental damage could be irreversible. Promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable, paper, or cloth bags can significantly benefit both people and the planet. Inspired by Italy’s pioneering ban on plastic bags, this was the main focus of our first youth exchange. The "Dream Youth Active: More for Less Nylon" project aimed to raise awareness and encourage the use of sustainable, nature-friendly bags.
Our next project, "Dream Youth Acts Eco-Logically,"
was a natural progression from our first project. Here, we aimed to increase environmental awareness, which is crucial for fighting environmental issues. During the project, participants learned to identify different types of pollution, integrate everyday environmental practices into their daily lives, and apply effective waste management methods, like composting and recycling.
Seeing the impact of our projects, we decided to develop a training course on a similar topic, this time targeting youth workers who work with young people in schools, universities, and youth centers. This allowed us to create a greater impact on environmental conservation, waste management, and youth involvement. It addressed the obstacles that youth workers encounter in recognizing and addressing poor waste practices among young people.
Seeing the impact of our projects, we decided to develop a training course on a similar topic, named “Embrace Nourishing Trace on Environmental Race,” this time targeting youth workers who work with young people in schools, universities, and youth centers. This allowed us to create a greater impact on environmental conservation, waste management, and youth involvement. It addressed the obstacles that youth workers encounter in recognizing and addressing poor waste practices among young people
topics.
At the beginning of 2025, we conducted another youth exchange, Rooted in Unity
This time we approached the climate crisis from a different angle: its effect on the protection of cultural heritage. In the project, participants raised awareness about the critical need to protect cultural heritage from the effects of climate change. Cultural heritage, which is integral to our identity, is increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, extreme weather, and temperature shifts. This project empowered young people to become stewards of their heritage, fostering a sense of responsibility for its sustainable preservation.
In our recent project, "Media Savvy: Navigating the Digital Landscape," we tackled the very important topic, the lack of media literacy among young people. Through info sessions, research, fact-checking activities, and panel discussions, participants increased their media and digital literacy skills.
As part of our local work, we aim to conduct webinars and conferences, and act as a sending organization for Italian youth to participate in programs outside of Italy.
Our local-level activities focus on informing Italian youth about international programs and sending them to different countries for educational experiences. In these programs, they meet many young people from different countries and backgrounds, create a strong peer network, and improve their multilingual skills, in addition to learning about the core program topics.
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As part of our local work, we aim to conduct webinars and conferences, and act as a
sending organization for Italian youth to participate in programs outside of Italy.
Our local-level activities focus on informing Italian youth about international programs and
sending them to different countries for educational experiences. In these programs, they
meet many young people from different countries and backgrounds, create a strong peer
network, and improve their multilingual skills, in addition to learning about the core program
topics.