In January 2024, the Erasmus+ training project “Coastal Unity: Sustainable Solutions in Europe and the Caribbean” brought together youth workers from across two continents for a unique experience on the island of Curaçao. The training focused on the environmental and social challenges faced by island and coastal communities, including the urgent impacts of climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and economic inequality. Youth workers explored solutions that were both sustainable and inclusive, while also learning how to foster international cooperation between regions with shared struggles. For one youth worker from the Netherlands representing Stichting Felis, the project offered more than a learning opportunity—it became a journey of understanding, personal growth, and collective empowerment.
Before the training in Curaçao, the youth worker had already been involved in projects supporting local communities in the Netherlands. Stichting Felis, a community-based NGO, focuses on youth development through creative education, environmental awareness, and social inclusion. In recent years, the country had experienced growing tensions related to migration, cultural identity, and socio-economic inequality. Young people from diverse backgrounds, especially those living in urban neighborhoods or coming from island families like those in the Dutch Caribbean, often felt excluded from decision-making spaces. In coastal cities such as Rotterdam and The Hague, many youths faced not only climate-related issues like flooding and rising sea levels but also social problems like unemployment, discrimination, and unequal access to education. While there were various programs for climate action or diversity, very few connected these two topics as deeply related.
The training in Curaçao made this connection clear from the first day. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the island and the warmth of the local communities, the youth worker joined others in exploring how cultural identity, geography, and history influence responses to climate and social challenges. One of the most eye-opening moments came during a community dialogue with local youth from Curaçao, who spoke about the impact of colonial history on their current struggles. They shared stories about how their communities had been left out of national conversations about sustainability, even though they lived closest to the ocean and saw the effects of environmental change every day.
Workshops at the training highlighted how island youth often feel disconnected from policy decisions made in European capitals. At the same time, they showed strong examples of local resilience. In one workshop, participants visited a small coastal village where young people had started their own climate education center. The center combined traditional island knowledge with modern science to teach sustainability in schools. Another session explored the use of art and storytelling to raise awareness about plastic pollution and its effects on marine life. These initiatives showed how inclusion and cultural expression can be powerful tools for environmental change.
The exchange between European and Caribbean participants was rich and emotional. It broke stereotypes, created friendships, and opened space for honest conversations about privilege, identity, and justice. The youth worker from the Netherlands began to reflect on how Dutch youth with Caribbean heritage often feel invisible in both environmental and social movements. There was a growing understanding that inclusion means more than simply inviting people into a project—it means designing projects that reflect different realities, voices, and values from the start.
After returning home, the youth worker felt inspired to create something new. Together with Stichting Felis, a community initiative was launched called “Voices by the Water.” The goal was to bring together young people from different cultural backgrounds—especially those with roots in island communities—and offer them a space to learn, express, and act on the issues of climate and inclusion. The project began with a series of workshops in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, where youth explored how climate change affects their lives and communities. These workshops included storytelling, spoken word, community mapping, and dialogue circles. The methodology was directly inspired by the Curaçao training, where cultural identity was treated as a source of strength and knowledge.
In addition to workshops, the project organized field visits to the Dutch coast, where participants learned about local environmental efforts, flood prevention systems, and biodiversity. These visits were combined with reflection sessions where youth could share how their own cultural experiences shaped their views on nature and sustainability. The goal was to connect personal stories with global challenges, showing that climate action can be both inclusive and deeply personal.
The impact of “Voices by the Water” was powerful. For many of the participants, it was the first time they felt seen and heard in a space that linked their cultural identity with environmental education. Some youth who had never spoken in public before performed poetry about their relationship with the sea. Others joined school campaigns about recycling and climate justice. Parents and educators also joined the final showcase event, where young people presented their visions for a fair and inclusive green future.
At the same time, Stichting Felis used the project to advocate for better representation of marginalized youth in local climate policies. The stories and ideas collected during the workshops were shared with local government officials and school leaders. A short booklet was created, containing personal reflections, artistic expressions, and suggestions from the youth involved. The booklet became a tool for raising awareness and pushing for change in both education and community planning.
One of the most important outcomes was the shift in mindset. Youth began to see themselves not as victims of climate change or social exclusion, but as agents of change. They learned that inclusion means building spaces where everyone’s experience matters. They saw that environmental justice and social justice must go hand in hand. And they began to dream bigger—not only for their neighborhoods but for the world.
The Erasmus+ project in Curaçao showed the importance of cross-cultural learning and real human connection. It gave youth workers the tools and courage to make climate action more inclusive. It reminded everyone that sustainable solutions are not just about technology or policies—they are about people. They are about listening to those who are often left out, learning from local knowledge, and building partnerships based on respect and care.
Looking ahead, Stichting Felis plans to grow the “Voices by the Water” initiative into a national platform that brings more schools, community centers, and youth organizations together. They hope to include voices from all parts of the Netherlands, including the Caribbean territories, and continue building bridges between stories, cultures, and solutions. The long-term vision is clear: a future where climate resilience includes everyone, where diversity is a strength, and where young people lead the way with creativity, compassion, and courage.
The journey that began in Curaçao continues in cities, classrooms, and community halls across the Netherlands. Thanks to the Erasmus+ experience, a new generation of youth workers and young leaders is ready to shape a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world—starting with their own communities and reaching far beyond.