In October 2024, youth workers, educators, and community leaders from across Europe and the Mediterranean gathered in Hurghada, Egypt, for the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability. The project aimed to strengthen the role of youth work in promoting entrepreneurship linked to environmental awareness and sustainability. Among the participants was a youth worker representing Terra Dulcis, an Italian NGO dedicated to youth empowerment, cultural cooperation, and sustainable community development. The experience became a journey of learning, reflection, and action, inspiring new ways to combine business innovation with environmental responsibility.
The training took place under the Erasmus+ framework, which supports international cooperation in education, training, and youth work. Its main objective was to give participants practical tools to help young people create projects that address local challenges such as climate change, unemployment, and lack of business opportunities. Over the course of a week, the program explored how entrepreneurship can become a force for good when guided by sustainable values and a sense of social responsibility.
The Local Context in Italy
Before participating in the project, Terra Dulcis had already been active in initiatives promoting environmental awareness and civic engagement among Italian youth. However, the organization noticed a growing need to connect sustainability with entrepreneurship in a more practical and engaging way. Many young people in Italy are concerned about the environment but often feel powerless to create change or unsure how to combine their environmental passion with career opportunities.
In recent years, Italy has faced several environmental challenges—from waste management problems and water scarcity in southern regions to the effects of climate change on agriculture and coastal areas. At the same time, youth unemployment has remained high in some parts of the country, pushing many young people to look for alternative ways to build their future. Despite the strong presence of creative minds and motivated youth, there was still a lack of training opportunities that linked environmental action with entrepreneurial skills.
Terra Dulcis recognized that this gap limited the potential of young people who wanted to make a difference in their communities. Before the Erasmus+ project, most initiatives in the region focused on environmental education or on business development separately. The training in Hurghada seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn how these two elements could work together—to empower young people not only to care for nature but also to turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises that benefit both people and the planet.
The Training Experience in Hurghada
The training in Hurghada gathered participants from diverse backgrounds—youth workers, educators, and activists—who all shared the same passion for creating a greener and fairer world. The environment of the Red Sea coast offered a beautiful and symbolic setting: a place where the richness of nature meets the urgent need for protection. From the first day, the sessions encouraged teamwork, reflection, and creativity.
The program used non-formal education methods, making the learning process dynamic and engaging. Participants discussed entrepreneurship not only as a business concept but as a mindset—a way to identify problems and design solutions. Trainers introduced new ideas such as green economy, circular business models, and social entrepreneurship. These topics helped participants see how innovation can support environmental and social goals at the same time.
One of the most eye-opening moments for the Italian participant was a visit to a local Egyptian initiative that empowered young people through environmental education and recycling projects. The program’s founders shared how they turned waste materials into useful products while educating the community about sustainability. This example demonstrated that even with limited resources, creativity and collaboration can make a real impact.
The international exchange also enriched the experience. Each participant brought stories from their country—examples of green startups, community gardens, and eco-friendly education projects. Sharing these experiences created a strong sense of solidarity and belonging to a global movement for change. It also revealed how common the challenges are across different countries, from youth unemployment to environmental degradation, and how powerful collective action can be in addressing them.
Beyond the learning sessions, the cultural exchange in Hurghada was equally inspiring. Participants discovered the beauty of Egypt’s nature and traditions while discussing how culture can influence environmental behavior. These conversations encouraged everyone to think about sustainability as not only an ecological but also a cultural and human issue.
Post-Project Action in Italy
After returning to Italy, the participant from Terra Dulcis was full of motivation and new ideas. Inspired by the training, the organization launched a local initiative called Green Seeds Lab. The project was designed as a series of workshops and mentoring sessions for young people interested in creating small sustainable projects or startups.
The workshops combined the lessons learned in Hurghada with the local realities of Italian youth. Sessions focused on practical skills such as how to plan a green business, use digital tools for promotion, and apply eco-friendly practices in daily life. Participants were encouraged to identify environmental challenges in their communities—such as waste management, food waste, or energy consumption—and design small business ideas to address them.
To make the project accessible, Terra Dulcis collaborated with local schools, universities, and environmental associations. Mentors from different sectors—entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and educators—joined the program to guide participants in developing their ideas. The first edition of Green Seeds Lab attracted dozens of young people from different parts of Italy, showing how strong the interest in sustainable entrepreneurship had become.
The initiative also introduced a peer-to-peer mentoring model inspired by the international exchange in Egypt. This approach encouraged participants to learn from one another, fostering collaboration and creativity rather than competition.
The Impact on Youth and Community
The impact of Green Seeds Lab was visible within months. Many young participants not only gained new knowledge but also developed confidence and motivation. Some launched small projects, such as eco-friendly fashion lines, local recycling campaigns, and awareness events on sustainable living. Others used the experience to build teamwork and communication skills that would help them in future careers.
Local communities also benefited. The workshops raised awareness about sustainability and inspired schools and youth centers to include environmental topics in their educational activities. Collaboration between institutions grew stronger, and the visibility of Terra Dulcis increased, opening new doors for partnerships both in Italy and abroad.
The success of the project demonstrated that young people are not only concerned about the environment—they are ready to act. When given the right support, they can become leaders of change in their cities and regions. The training in Hurghada provided the inspiration, but the actions in Italy gave it life and continuity.
Reflection and Future Vision
The Erasmus+ project Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability left a lasting mark on all who took part. For the Italian participant, it was a reminder that youth work is about more than organizing activities—it is about empowering people to take ownership of their future. The experience showed that entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability are not separate paths but two sides of the same journey toward a fairer and more resilient society.
Looking ahead, Terra Dulcis plans to expand Green Seeds Lab into a long-term program, offering continuous mentorship, small grants, and international cooperation opportunities. The goal is to create a network of young innovators who can connect locally and globally to exchange ideas and solutions for a sustainable future.
The story of Hurghada continues to grow in Italy, carried by those who believe that change starts from education, collaboration, and the courage to dream. Every young person who plants an idea for a greener future becomes part of a movement that crosses borders and generations—proving that real sustainability begins in the hearts and actions of people.