In May 2023, youth workers from across Europe joined the Erasmus+ training course “Navigating Digital Finance” in Benalmádena, Spain. The project was created to help youth workers improve their skills in digital financial literacy and teach young people how to manage money in a digital world. With more financial decisions happening online—like banking, mobile payments, and investing—this project came at the right time. The training was built on practical workshops, real-life examples, and shared experiences between countries. It gave space for learning, collaboration, and reflection. For the youth workers from the Spanish NGO Asociación GO GREEN – Avanzando hacia el crecimiento verde y el desarrollo sostenible, this project connected digital finance with a bigger vision: a more sustainable future for all.
In Spain, the team from Asociación GO GREEN had already been working with young people on environmental education and sustainable habits. But in May 2023, they noticed a growing concern: many young people wanted to live more sustainably, but they did not have the financial knowledge to do it. The cost of living was rising, and many families were struggling. Young people were often unsure about how to budget, how to avoid debt, or how to make long-term financial plans. Even when they had access to digital banking tools, they did not always use them properly. Some fell into traps like fast credit or online shopping addiction. In poorer areas, the digital divide was even clearer. Youth without good internet or digital devices were more likely to be excluded from basic financial services. There was also little education in schools about money management. These problems created new barriers for young people who wanted to make greener and smarter choices.
The training in Benalmádena gave the Spanish participants new ideas and strong motivation. The sessions on mobile payments, financial security, and budgeting apps helped them see how digital tools could make financial life simpler and safer. For the GO GREEN team, one of the most eye-opening experiences was a workshop about financial inclusion. They learned how digital finance can help people who are normally excluded—like migrants, rural youth, or low-income families—if it is used in a responsible and clear way. The group also joined discussions about cryptocurrencies and blockchain. At first, these seemed like very complex and far-away topics. But through real examples and group tasks, they started to understand how these systems work and why they matter. Another important moment was meeting youth workers from other countries who had built small, local projects for financial education. A team from Eastern Europe shared how they taught youth to budget using simple games. Others had created podcasts or online videos to explain how to open a bank account. These examples were practical, creative, and easy to adapt.
After returning home, the team from Asociación GO GREEN decided to create a new program called “EcoBudget Joven.” This initiative connected sustainable living with digital financial literacy. It was built on one simple idea: to live a green life, young people need to manage their money well. The program included interactive workshops in schools and youth centers where participants learned about budgeting, comparing prices, choosing eco-friendly products, and saving energy at home. The workshops used real apps to track spending and plan savings goals. The team also developed a guide for low-cost green living, showing how small daily choices—like cooking at home, using second-hand platforms, or reducing electricity bills—can save money and protect the planet at the same time. The training in Benalmádena had shown them how to keep the sessions simple and action-based, which helped make the program very engaging.
The impact of “EcoBudget Joven” was fast and visible. In just four months, more than 300 young people took part in the workshops across different parts of Andalusia. Many of them said it was the first time they felt that money and the environment were connected. Some participants started to make their own weekly budgets and reported saving enough to invest in eco-friendly items like water bottles, energy-saving lights, or reusable clothes. Youth centers began to request more sessions, and teachers from different schools showed interest in adding the topic to their lessons. A local eco-market offered discounts to young people who joined the program. Even parents got involved, sharing that their children were teaching them new financial habits. One of the most meaningful results was the creation of a youth-led social media campaign where participants shared tips for green and budget-friendly living. This campaign reached thousands of views and created a small but powerful online community.
Thanks to the training in Benalmádena, the GO GREEN team understood that change starts with education, but grows with practice. The Erasmus+ experience helped them see that financial literacy is more than numbers. It is about access, freedom, and opportunity. It is also a tool for building more sustainable lives and communities. The project helped them build confidence in themselves and in their role as youth workers. By combining financial education with climate goals, they created a model that could be shared in other regions and countries. The experience also opened the door for future collaboration with other Erasmus+ partners who were inspired by their work and wanted to create similar programs.
Looking forward, the team from Asociación GO GREEN believes that young people are the key to a better and greener future. But they must be equipped with the right tools, and that includes financial skills. Youth workers can play a big role in this journey, by showing that money is not just for survival—it is for creating the life and the world people want. The Benalmádena training proved that learning together, across borders, leads to stronger solutions. It also showed that digital tools, when used with care and purpose, can help close gaps and build new bridges.
The path is still long, but the steps are clear. The team continues to expand “EcoBudget Joven,” planning to reach more schools and train other youth workers to use the materials. They also hope to publish a toolkit in Spanish and English so more NGOs and educators can use their model. The dream is to create a generation of eco-smart and financially confident youth who believe that sustainability is not only about the planet—but also about how people live, plan, and grow. And with projects like “Navigating Digital Finance,” that dream feels closer every day.