In March 2023, a powerful Erasmus+ training called “Way to Go Against Climate Change” brought together youth workers from different European countries to learn, reflect, and act on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Held on the beautiful Réunion Island, France, the training focused on the consequences of climate change and how youth can play an active role in addressing environmental challenges through education and action. The training was not only about learning facts—it was about building responsibility, connection, and courage to protect the planet for future generations. It aimed to help youth workers like those from Action for People in Romania become agents of change in their local communities.
In Romania, environmental challenges are becoming more visible every year. Air pollution affects the health of citizens, especially in larger cities. Rivers and forests are damaged by plastic waste, and illegal logging remains a serious problem in some areas. Climate patterns are changing, leading to dry summers and heavy storms that disrupt agriculture. Many young people feel the effects of these changes but do not always have access to the tools or knowledge to do something about it. Climate education in schools is still limited, and few programs focus on connecting environmental topics with everyday life. That is why Romanian NGOs like Action for People see the need to introduce youth to climate responsibility through non-formal learning methods that are more engaging and practical.
The training on Réunion Island gave participants a deep understanding of how climate change is caused by human activity and how today's actions affect the future. It was a new experience to learn about intergenerational justice—the idea that the current generation has a duty to protect the environment not only for themselves but for those who come after. The concept was both inspiring and emotional. The natural beauty of Réunion Island showed how important it is to keep ecosystems safe and balanced. Discussions about rising sea levels, deforestation, and biodiversity loss became more real when participants could see the local effects firsthand.
One of the most eye-opening parts of the training was the way learning was done. It was not based on textbooks or lectures. Instead, the organizers used creative and interactive methods such as energizers, role-playing games, group challenges, and personal reflection. These activities helped participants understand the information in a more personal and emotional way. The training also created a safe space for youth workers from different countries to share stories about climate issues in their own regions. Some came from cities where public transport was improving, others from villages where nature was part of daily life. Each story added a new layer to the collective understanding of climate change as a shared, global problem.
After returning to Romania, the team from Action for People decided to turn this inspiration into something practical and useful. They developed a local youth program called “Eco Start,” focused on climate education through creative workshops. The goal of Eco Start was to help young people connect with nature, understand climate change, and learn how to take small actions in their everyday lives. The workshops were organized in schools, libraries, and community centers in both urban and rural areas. Each session had a different topic—waste reduction, saving energy, food sustainability, or green transportation—and used fun activities to explore the themes. For example, participants worked together to create upcycled items from trash, held eco-challenges, and shared stories of their own green habits.
Eco Start became more than just a series of workshops. It also created a space where youth could feel empowered. Many of the participants had never spoken about climate change before. Some were surprised to discover how much impact their daily habits could have. Others were excited to find out that climate action did not have to be big or expensive—it could start with one person making a smarter choice. As the sessions continued, some young people even took the initiative to organize clean-up actions in their towns or speak to their school administration about installing recycling bins. Others shared what they learned with their families and friends, spreading the message beyond the classroom.
The impact of Eco Start grew quickly. Teachers and local leaders began to support the program and help spread it to more schools. Some municipalities invited Action for People to collaborate on educational events. A few young people from the first workshops later became volunteers, helping run future sessions. The project also received positive media attention in the region, which helped raise awareness about youth-led climate actions. More importantly, Eco Start showed that when young people are given the space and support to learn and lead, they can create real and lasting change in their communities.
The experience also influenced the work of Action for People as an NGO. The team decided to include climate education as a permanent part of their youth development strategy. They began forming partnerships with environmental organizations, applied for new funding to grow the program, and joined local policy discussions about sustainable education. This shift showed how one international training, full of energy and shared purpose, could create a ripple effect that reached many corners of society.
Looking ahead, the vision is clear. Young people in Romania and all over Europe must be at the center of climate action. They have the creativity, courage, and compassion needed to face the challenges ahead. But they also need support—through education, resources, and community. Programs like Eco Start and trainings like the one in Réunion Island prove that change is possible when people come together with open minds and open hearts. Climate change is a difficult problem, but it is also a powerful reason to unite across borders, generations, and differences.
Youth are not waiting for permission to act. They are already building a better tomorrow with each small step they take. From recycling more to riding a bike, from learning about carbon footprints to organizing tree-planting events, they are finding their voice. They are learning that they are not alone, and that even one person can start a movement. With more support from NGOs, schools, and public institutions, this movement will grow stronger. And with every new project, workshop, and conversation, hope for a greener and fairer future becomes more real.