In January 2025, the Erasmus+ training course “Youth Work in Environmental Education and Sustainable Development” brought together youth workers from across Europe in the breathtaking natural environment of Réunion Island, France. The training was more than a learning experience—it was a call to action. Organized to strengthen youth workers' skills in environmental protection and sustainability, the course focused on promoting eco-responsibility and creating long-lasting impact through youth education. Hosted in one of the world’s most unique ecological landscapes, the project offered an unforgettable combination of theory and practice that helped participants develop a new approach to environmental work in their local communities. Representing Copernicus Berlin e.V., one youth worker from Germany joined the project with the aim of learning how to bring environmental education to life through meaningful youth engagement.
In Germany, environmental issues are well recognized, but challenges still exist at many levels. Climate change, overconsumption, and waste management remain serious concerns. While large cities invest in green infrastructure, some smaller communities lack the resources or motivation to act. At the same time, many young people feel disconnected from nature or overwhelmed by the scale of environmental problems. Social media and fast-paced lifestyles make it harder to focus on sustainability in daily routines. Even though Germany is known for strong environmental policies, real change depends on community-based efforts and education that empowers people from a young age. In this context, youth workers play a vital role in turning knowledge into action.
The training in Réunion Island opened a new world of understanding. Participants were not only surrounded by natural beauty but also by the direct effects of environmental damage and climate stress. It was inspiring to see how local communities protect their biodiversity through conservation and sustainable practices. One of the most eye-opening parts of the course was learning how different ecosystems work together and how human behavior can disrupt or support them. From forest visits to discussions with local activists, every activity showed that solutions are possible when communities work together. The balance between traditional wisdom and modern innovation was also powerful. Learning about local customs, respectful farming, and community engagement brought depth to the concept of sustainable development.
Another meaningful aspect of the training was the use of hands-on learning. Participants took part in workshops where they explored environmental issues through group work, reflection circles, role-playing, and simulations. The energy and commitment from everyone created a space of trust and creativity. It was not just about sharing knowledge, but also about building a network of motivated youth workers ready to act in their home countries. The international exchange helped participants understand that although every country faces unique challenges, the goal is the same: a healthy, sustainable world for future generations.
Inspired by the experience in Réunion, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin e.V. returned to Germany and launched a new initiative called “EcoSteps.” This project focused on integrating environmental education into existing youth programs in Berlin, especially in underserved neighborhoods. The idea was to make sustainability more accessible and relatable. EcoSteps was built on the idea that environmental action starts with small, consistent changes in everyday life. Through creative workshops, participants learned about waste reduction, clean energy, biodiversity, and food systems. But they also talked about how to live responsibly online, combining sustainability with digital safety and ethics—another topic touched on during the training.
One special activity in EcoSteps included a collaboration between schools and local gardens, where young people planted native trees and herbs while learning how nature can support both mental health and environmental stability. In another part of the program, participants created podcasts and short videos to raise awareness in their schools and communities. These projects helped them express their voices, connect with others, and show leadership. The focus was not only on education but also on empowerment—giving youth the tools and confidence to act.
The impact of EcoSteps was soon visible. Young people became more engaged and curious about their environment. They started asking questions, proposing ideas, and bringing eco-friendly habits into their homes and schools. Parents, educators, and local leaders supported the program and saw how much it was changing youth behavior. In one Berlin school, the EcoSteps team helped set up a Green Club that now runs weekly environmental activities and leads recycling efforts in the building. Through social media campaigns and public events, the message of sustainability spread beyond the classroom.
Another important result of the initiative was stronger community cooperation. Environmental NGOs, city council members, and youth centers began to work more closely together. This helped create a network that could support future projects and make sustainable development a shared priority. The youth worker from Copernicus Berlin e.V. also stayed in contact with other Erasmus+ participants from the Réunion training. They exchanged updates, ideas, and resources, keeping the international spirit of the project alive.
Looking back, the training in Réunion Island was more than just a course. It was a life-changing journey that connected nature, people, and purpose. It proved that youth workers can lead change by creating meaningful experiences and building inclusive, action-based education. The story of EcoSteps is just one example of how global learning can lead to local action. It reminds everyone that sustainability is not just a big word. It is something that grows from the choices made each day, in every corner of a city, village, or island.
Youth have the power to see the future with fresh eyes and open hearts. When supported with knowledge and trust, they become not only learners but also teachers and changemakers. Projects like “Youth Work in Environmental Education and Sustainable Development” show what happens when people believe in the potential of young generations. It is not too late to make a difference, and the movement starts with those ready to take the first step—those who understand that building a better world means working together, learning from each other, and taking care of our planet with respect and hope.