Accreditation 2024-1-DE04-KA151-YOU-000198283
Circular Economy in Action: Equipping Youth Workers for Sustainable Future
Erasmus+ Training Course in Copenhagen, Denmark
August 19-26, 2025
Application dates: July 14-21, 2025
Description: The transition from a linear “take–make–dispose” model to a circular economy—where resources are kept in use for as long as possible—is critical for addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequity. Youth workers can play a pivotal role in inspiring young people to adopt circular practices and launch community-based green initiatives. Copenhagen, recognised as one of Europe’s most sustainable capitals, provides an excellent living laboratory, thanks to its world-class cycling infrastructure, waste-to-energy facilities, and ambitious zero-waste targets.Aims & Objectives
- Demystify Circular Principles
Give youth workers a clear grasp of circular economy concepts (eco-design, product-as-a-service, repair & reuse, industrial symbiosis). - Build Practical Skills
Offer hands-on workshops—upcycling, bio-materials prototyping, and circular business-model canvassing—so participants can run their own activities with young people. - Promote Inclusive Green Engagement
Equip youth workers to involve marginalised groups (NEETs, migrant youth, low-income communities) in circular projects that create local jobs and social cohesion. - Connect to Policy & Funding
Familiarise participants with EU Green Deal goals, Erasmus+ and local funding streams, and city-level circular policies to accelerate project implementation. - Seed Transnational Partnerships
Foster cooperation among youth organisations, social enterprises, and municipal innovators for future circular-economy initiatives.
Core Programme Highlights
- Concept Labs – Interactive sessions introduce life-cycle thinking, cradle-to-cradle design, and circular metrics, enriched by Danish case studies.
- Hands-On Workshops – Participants upcycle discarded textiles into marketable products, experiment with mycelium-based packaging, and map local “waste streams” for circular interventions.
- Inclusive Engagement Clinic – Design-thinking sprints help teams create outreach strategies that link green skills with youth employability.
- Green Funding & Policy Forum – Trainers outline Erasmus+ opportunities, and city circular strategies; groups draft cross-border project ideas and action plans.
- Cultural & Networking Evenings – Bike tours, harbour swims, and a Danish “green cuisine” night build intercultural bonds and showcase Copenhagen’s sustainability culture.
- Circular Pitch Day – Teams present prototypes (e.g., zero-waste pop-up markets, repair-skills bootcamps) to local stakeholders, refine next steps, and celebrate achievements during the Youthpass ceremony.
Daily reflection circles and rapid feedback check-ins keep the course adaptive, participatory, and learner-centred.Expected Outcomes & Impact
- Ready-to-Use Toolkit – Lesson plans, upcycling guides, and circular-business canvases downloadable for immediate local adaptation.
- Action Plans – Each participant leaves with a six-month roadmap for launching or scaling a circular youth initiative in their community.
- Prototype Projects – At least four feasible concepts—such as community repair cafés, material-sharing libraries, or circular fashion workshops—co-created and pitched.
- Enhanced Competences – Youthpass certificates document gains in sustainability facilitation, project design, and inclusive engagement.
“Circular Economy in Action” will empower youth workers to turn sustainability rhetoric into tangible, inclusive projects—arming Europe’s next generation with the skills and mind-sets needed for a regenerative future.
Working language: EnglishTravel costs: Travel expenses to and from Copenhagen (Denmark) will be reimbursed based on the distance, subject to prior confirmation by the coordinator. Green travel options (such as train, bus, or carpooling) are preferred and encouraged.Accommodation: Accommodation costs are covered. During the training course, participants will stay in private apartments in Copenhagen. Each apartment will be shared by 4 to 5 participants and will be equipped with a kitchen and bathroom.Meal: Every participant will receive a 100 EUR allowance to cook together in apartments, fostering intercultural exchange through the joy of food and shared culinary adventures. Travel: You can also stay 2 days longer or arrive 2 days earlier and explore the area at your own expense.Registration is open until 21th of July.
Working language: EnglishTravel costs: Travel expenses to and from Copenhagen (Denmark) will be reimbursed based on the distance, subject to prior confirmation by the coordinator. Green travel options (such as train, bus, or carpooling) are preferred and encouraged.Accommodation: Accommodation costs are covered. During the training course, participants will stay in private apartments in Copenhagen. Each apartment will be shared by 4 to 5 participants and will be equipped with a kitchen and bathroom.Meal: Every participant will receive a 100 EUR allowance to cook together in apartments, fostering intercultural exchange through the joy of food and shared culinary adventures. Travel: You can also stay 2 days longer or arrive 2 days earlier and explore the area at your own expense.Registration is open until 21th of July.