In October 2024, youth workers from across Europe and beyond gathered in Hurghada, Egypt, for the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability. The program aimed to strengthen the ability of youth workers to support young people in developing entrepreneurial projects rooted in environmental awareness, social responsibility, and sustainability. Among the participants was a representative of Copernicus Berlin, a German NGO dedicated to international education, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment. For this participant, the experience in Hurghada became more than a professional training—it became a source of personal inspiration and a call to action toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The training, organized under the Erasmus+ framework, focused on finding creative ways to merge entrepreneurship with environmental values. It encouraged participants to see business not only as a tool for economic growth but as a means to create positive change in local communities. Through a week of practical workshops, group activities, and intercultural exchanges, the program showed how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. Participants explored key issues such as youth unemployment, climate challenges, and limited access to entrepreneurial education, learning how to guide young people in transforming these challenges into opportunities for action and growth.
The Local Context in Germany
In Germany, environmental awareness has long been part of public life, yet the connection between sustainability and entrepreneurship is still evolving. Before the training in Egypt, Copernicus Berlin was already running several initiatives aimed at global education and civic engagement. However, youth workers in Germany have observed that while young people are passionate about environmental protection, many lack the tools and knowledge to turn their ideas into real, sustainable projects.
Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges for young Germans. While schools and universities promote environmental responsibility, not all young people have access to programs that teach practical entrepreneurial skills. Many initiatives still focus on theory rather than hands-on experience, leaving a gap between motivation and action. This gap is especially visible among students and young professionals who want to contribute to sustainability but do not know how to start.
At the same time, youth unemployment, though lower than in other parts of Europe, continues to affect certain groups, especially those with fewer opportunities or migrant backgrounds. Empowering young people to create their own projects and small businesses could not only promote inclusion but also support the transition toward a greener economy. The training in Hurghada came at a crucial moment, offering new perspectives on how to make entrepreneurship more accessible, inclusive, and environmentally conscious.
The Training Experience in Hurghada
The week in Hurghada was filled with energy, collaboration, and discovery. Participants from different countries brought diverse experiences and ideas, creating an inspiring learning environment. The sessions focused on connecting entrepreneurship with sustainable development, helping youth workers understand how business initiatives can contribute to social good.
Through interactive workshops, participants learned about eco-friendly business models, circular economy principles, and methods for teaching young people financial literacy and creativity. Trainers emphasized that entrepreneurship is not just about profit—it is about responsibility, innovation, and problem-solving. The group discussed how local communities can benefit when young people learn to think like entrepreneurs who care about the environment.
One of the most eye-opening experiences for the participant from Copernicus Berlin was visiting a local initiative in Hurghada that combined environmental action with social enterprise. The project employed young people to clean beaches and recycle plastic waste into usable materials. It demonstrated how sustainable entrepreneurship can create both economic and ecological value while strengthening community ties. This example showed that small-scale ideas, when guided by dedication and teamwork, can grow into meaningful projects that inspire others.
The intercultural exchange was another highlight. Participants shared stories of challenges and successes from their countries, realizing that while contexts differ, the vision for a better future is shared. The discussions about the global impact of climate change and the role of youth in shaping sustainable societies created a deep sense of connection. Every session ended with reflections on how to bring the new knowledge home and apply it in real projects.
Post-Project Action in Germany
Returning to Berlin after the training, the participant from Copernicus Berlin felt motivated to put the lessons into practice. Inspired by the activities and methods from Hurghada, the organization launched a new initiative called Green Innovators Berlin. The project’s goal was to support young people in developing environmentally responsible business ideas through mentorship, workshops, and peer collaboration.
The first step was organizing a series of local sessions where youth could learn about sustainable entrepreneurship, project design, and creative problem-solving. These sessions included practical tasks such as identifying local environmental challenges and brainstorming business solutions that could address them. Participants explored topics like waste reduction, eco-friendly product design, and sustainable food systems.
To make the project more inclusive, Copernicus Berlin partnered with local schools and community centers, reaching young people from diverse backgrounds. The workshops encouraged them to see entrepreneurship not as something distant or complicated, but as a process they could actively shape. The non-formal learning approach used during the training in Hurghada proved highly effective in keeping participants engaged and inspired.
The project also built a bridge between local and international youth work. Through digital tools, participants in Berlin stayed connected with other youth workers they met in Egypt, sharing updates, resources, and new ideas. This exchange of experience helped maintain motivation and ensured that the values of sustainability and cooperation remained alive even after the training ended.
The Impact on Youth and the Community
Within a few months, Green Innovators Berlin began showing positive results. Dozens of young people participated in workshops and mentorship sessions, learning how to turn their environmental ideas into concrete plans. Some participants developed proposals for small start-ups focused on recycling, community gardens, or digital awareness campaigns about sustainable living. Others applied their new knowledge to school projects or volunteer work.
The initiative also strengthened collaboration between educational institutions, NGOs, and local authorities. Schools that hosted workshops began integrating sustainability themes into their extracurricular programs. Teachers and community leaders recognized the potential of connecting entrepreneurship with environmental education.
Beyond practical skills, the project helped young people build confidence. They began to see themselves as capable of creating solutions and making a real difference. For many, this was the first step toward understanding that sustainability is not just a global concern—it starts locally, with small actions and consistent effort.
Reflection and Future Vision
The Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability training in Hurghada left a lasting impression on everyone involved. It showed that when youth work is connected to sustainability, it becomes a powerful driver of change. For Copernicus Berlin, the experience reaffirmed that empowering young people means giving them the tools to act responsibly and creatively in a world that needs both innovation and care.
The participant described the week in Egypt as a turning point—a reminder that meaningful change begins with collaboration and education. By learning together, sharing experiences, and building networks, youth workers can amplify their impact far beyond their own communities.
Looking ahead, Copernicus Berlin plans to expand the Green Innovators Berlin project, creating long-term partnerships with European organizations to promote sustainable entrepreneurship among youth. The organization envisions a future where young people are not only aware of environmental challenges but also equipped to build the solutions.
The story of this Erasmus+ training serves as proof that when young minds are inspired and supported, they can transform ideas into impact—creating greener, fairer, and more resilient societies for generations to come