In October 2024, youth workers from across Europe and beyond gathered in the coastal city of Hurghada, Egypt, to participate in an Erasmus+ training course titled Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability. The program aimed to strengthen youth workers’ ability to guide young people toward entrepreneurial thinking grounded in sustainability and social responsibility. For the representative of Civil Forum, a Georgian NGO dedicated to civic education and youth empowerment, this project became a meaningful experience that connected knowledge, collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Erasmus+ project focused on finding practical ways to combine environmental awareness with entrepreneurial creativity. It brought together participants who shared a common goal: helping young people not only understand ecological challenges but also find sustainable business solutions. The training was built around workshops, discussions, and project-based learning, giving participants both the theoretical foundation and hands-on experience to inspire change in their communities. By exploring real-world challenges such as youth unemployment, financial literacy gaps, and climate issues, the project encouraged participants to view entrepreneurship as a tool for both economic and environmental development.
The Local Context in Georgia
Before the training, Civil Forum had already been active in promoting youth participation and sustainability in Georgia. However, the country still faces significant challenges in balancing economic development with environmental protection. Many young people, especially in rural regions, experience limited access to green education or entrepreneurial opportunities. While urban centers like Tbilisi have begun to adopt eco-friendly practices and support startups, smaller communities often lack the resources and mentorship needed to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship.
In recent years, environmental issues such as deforestation, waste management, and pollution have become more pressing in Georgia. The rapid pace of industrial growth and insufficient environmental awareness have led to growing concerns about the country’s ecological future. At the same time, youth unemployment remains a serious problem, with many young people struggling to find stable work or to turn their creative ideas into sustainable businesses.
In this context, Civil Forum saw the Erasmus+ training in Hurghada as a unique opportunity to learn new methods for integrating environmental education with entrepreneurial skills. The aim was to discover how youth work could help young Georgians take active roles in creating green, community-oriented solutions that benefit both people and nature.
The Training Experience in Hurghada
The training course in Hurghada offered a week of discovery, teamwork, and inspiration. The diverse group of participants represented different cultures and experiences, but they shared the same passion for sustainability and youth empowerment. From the very first day, the atmosphere was full of collaboration and energy.
The sessions combined interactive learning with real-life examples. Trainers introduced participants to the concept of green entrepreneurship—business models that are profitable while protecting the environment. They discussed circular economy principles, creative recycling methods, and the importance of responsible consumption. Participants also practiced project management, communication, and leadership skills to prepare them for guiding young people back home.
A particularly memorable experience was visiting a local environmental project in Hurghada, where young volunteers were turning waste materials into art pieces and small products for sale. This initiative demonstrated how creativity can turn environmental problems into opportunities for community development. The visit left a strong impression on the participant from Georgia, showing that even small local projects can create both economic and social impact.
Equally valuable was the exchange of experiences among participants. The Georgian representative shared examples of youth environmental campaigns in Tbilisi, while others spoke about green startups in Denmark and eco-tourism initiatives in Greece. These cross-cultural dialogues helped participants see how global cooperation can lead to local solutions. In the evenings, cultural exchange programs allowed everyone to connect through traditions, food, and shared values, making the experience not only educational but deeply human.
Post-Project Action in Georgia
After returning to Georgia, the participant from Civil Forum felt inspired to turn the ideas learned in Egypt into concrete local action. The organization launched a new initiative called Green Sparks Georgia, designed to help young people develop sustainable business ideas that respond to community needs. The project began with small workshops held in local youth centers and universities. These sessions introduced young participants to the basics of green entrepreneurship—understanding market needs, designing eco-friendly products, and building financial literacy.
The workshops also encouraged creative problem-solving. Participants were asked to identify environmental challenges in their regions and brainstorm innovative ways to address them through business initiatives. Some developed ideas for recycling centers, others for community gardens or eco-cafés using local organic products. The focus was not on competition but on collaboration and practical learning.
To ensure wider participation, Civil Forum partnered with local environmental organizations and schools. Together, they provided mentorship to young people from rural areas who often lacked access to such opportunities. The project quickly grew into a small network of motivated young leaders who began to see entrepreneurship as a path to both independence and responsibility.
The Impact on Youth and Community
The results of Green Sparks Georgia became visible within months. Many young participants gained new confidence in their abilities and started implementing their ideas. One group from western Georgia launched a small social media campaign about reducing plastic use, while another developed a prototype for biodegradable packaging. These initiatives were small but symbolized a shift in mindset—young people began to see themselves as agents of change rather than passive observers.
The project also influenced educators and local authorities. Several schools expressed interest in including environmental entrepreneurship in their extracurricular programs. Local businesses offered mentorship opportunities for students with strong ideas. These collaborations showed that sustainability could become an integral part of community life when supported by both public and private sectors.
For Civil Forum, the experience proved that youth work can be a bridge between awareness and action. By combining education, creativity, and collaboration, the organization helped plant the seeds for a more responsible generation of young Georgians. The project’s impact extended beyond environmental awareness—it encouraged leadership, teamwork, and innovation among youth.
Reflection and Future Vision
The Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability project in Hurghada left a lasting impact on everyone involved. It reminded participants that environmental protection and entrepreneurship do not stand in opposition—they can strengthen each other when guided by purpose and empathy. For the participant from Georgia, it was a journey of growth, showing that even small actions can lead to big changes when young people are inspired and supported.
Civil Forum now plans to expand Green Sparks Georgia into a larger national program, including online courses and mentoring for young entrepreneurs. The goal is to connect Georgian youth with international partners, creating a network of eco-minded innovators who share the same values of responsibility and sustainability.
The experience in Egypt proved that the power of youth work lies not only in teaching skills but in shaping attitudes and values. When young people believe in their ability to make a difference, they start changing their communities—and, step by step, the world around them. The future belongs to those who dare to imagine a balance between progress and care for the planet, and youth workers have the responsibility to guide them along that path.