In February 2023, a youth worker from Lithuania, representing the NGO Asociacija Tavo Europa, participated in the Erasmus+ project “Target ZERO: Creating Responsible Enterprise” held in Benalmádena, Spain. The project aimed to address the urgent global need for more environmentally friendly business practices and sustainable entrepreneurship. With a focus on practical knowledge and collaboration, the training brought together youth workers from different countries who shared one common goal: to support young people in becoming responsible, eco-conscious entrepreneurs. The program encouraged participants to exchange good practices, learn from each other, and explore how to create real change through green enterprises in their communities.
In Lithuania, environmental challenges have become more visible in recent years. Although many young people are aware of climate change and pollution, they often feel powerless to make a real difference. Many small towns lack opportunities for youth to participate in environmental projects or learn about sustainable business. Local businesses are still more focused on profit than on sustainability. At the same time, there is a growing interest among Lithuanian youth to live more consciously and to take care of the environment. Some schools and NGOs already include environmental education, but often the approach is too theoretical and not connected to real-life action. Before the training in Spain, it was clear that there was a gap between awareness and action. Youth needed tools, knowledge, and inspiration to turn their ideas into something useful and impactful for their communities.
The training in Benalmádena was a turning point. Being surrounded by like-minded youth workers from across Europe created a strong feeling of community and shared responsibility. The days were full of interactive workshops, group discussions, creative tasks, and practical sessions. One of the most inspiring activities was the green business simulation, where participants worked in teams to design their own eco-friendly enterprises. Through this task, it became clear how important stakeholder collaboration and clear planning are for a successful green project. Each team had to think not only about profit but also about environmental and social impact. Another highlight was a visit to a local cooperative that produces organic products. The cooperative showed how traditional knowledge and modern entrepreneurship can work together to support both the environment and the local economy.
The training also included space for open conversation, where participants could share struggles they faced in their countries. Many stories were similar—lack of funding, weak support from schools or municipalities, and general skepticism from older generations. But the energy and creativity in the room proved that change is still possible. The trainers shared useful tools, like how to map environmental problems in a local area, how to identify market opportunities for green products, and how to write a simple and clear business model that balances responsibility with sustainability. By the end of the training, every participant had a strong idea of how they could return home and start something real.
After returning to Lithuania, the youth worker from Asociacija Tavo Europa started working on a small initiative called “Eco Lab for Youth.” The goal was to create a series of workshops for young people in rural areas to help them understand sustainable entrepreneurship and create simple green business ideas. The format was inspired directly by the non-formal methods used in Spain—hands-on activities, role plays, team challenges, and space for reflection. Each workshop focused on different topics, such as circular economy, eco-design, and community-based business. Local entrepreneurs were invited to share their experiences, and the participants got the chance to ask questions and explore how values like respect for nature and fair trade can be included in daily work.
The “Eco Lab for Youth” workshops soon started to attract attention. Young participants said they had never learned about business in such a practical and friendly way. Many of them created mini-projects by the end of the program, such as reusable packaging ideas, second-hand clothing markets, and plastic-free school campaigns. Teachers and youth center staff expressed their appreciation for the method and began discussing how these workshops could be integrated into their regular educational programs. Local government representatives visited one of the workshops and offered to help with future promotion and space support. The impact went even further when some youth participants presented their green business concepts at a local event celebrating sustainability, gaining applause and support from the audience.
This ripple effect showed that one well-prepared training abroad can start a whole chain of positive change at home. The Erasmus+ experience gave the youth worker not just knowledge, but also courage to lead and inspire others. It helped build a bridge between international best practices and local needs. It showed that sustainable development is not just a theory but a lifestyle and mindset that young people are ready to adopt. Youth want to make a difference, but they need clear tools, real examples, and opportunities to try things out in a supportive space. Initiatives like “Eco Lab for Youth” become the first step for many to see themselves not just as students or volunteers, but as changemakers and future entrepreneurs.
Looking into the future, the hope is that more programs like “Target ZERO” will be organized, bringing together youth workers, educators, and activists who care about the planet. With the support of NGOs like Asociacija Tavo Europa, more young people in Lithuania can turn their green ideas into real solutions for their communities. The experience in Benalmádena proved that international cooperation is not only about learning from others, but also about discovering the potential that exists within each participant. When youth are empowered with the right skills and values, they can create a future where business is not just about profit—but also about purpose, respect, and sustainability.