From 17-24 June, at the European Study Centre in Arkosi, InnoEdu – Innovation in Adult Education was organized by the 3R: Reduce Reuse Recycle Erasmus+ program, which was attended by young people from 11 countries. The participants from Romania, Hungary, Estonia, Greece, North Macedonia, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Czech Republic and Bulgaria were young people and youth workers.
The aim of the training was to promote more environmentally friendly, sustainable and plastic-free youth work. In the last week, workshops were organized, during which the participants could learn about the different local traditions, but there was also a change of wallpaper and a study trip. The participants visited the Eco Bihor waste processing plant in Lecfalvi, where they looked at the recycling process of the waste, among other things. The visit to the environment was held in the park of the Nyir of Réty, famous for its desert sands.
In addition to the study trips, practical training and professional lectures were also held. The participants collected various medicinal plants and teas typical of our region, then made tea bags and scented bags from them, but they also tasted the local elderzaudit. The professional presentations were designed with the involvement of local experts, Matyus Eniko, sustainability consultant on the 17 sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations, Dr. Tihamér Sebestyén, assistant professor of Sapientia University, on renewable energy and their situation in Romania, Julia Ferencz, associate professor of the Youth Office in Sepsiszentgyyi, gave useful lectures on environmentally conscious thinking and personal responsibility.
The sustainable Development Goals call on all countries to take action to promote prosperity and protect the planet. The objectives are based on strategies that promote economic growth and address a number of social problems such as education, health, social protection and job opportunities.
As for renewable energy, Romania has a significant potential in this area, and there are many opportunities for renewable energy production in the country. All this is growing, but more efforts are needed to expand alternative energy production and exploit sustainable energy sources. Support programs are available by the European Union to finance such projects.
Éva Orsolya Gruman, President of the InnoEdu Association, said that the international program is particularly topical, as it places an emphasis on environmental awareness and sustainability in the activities of youth organizations. This work not only serves their immediate goals, but also opens up huge opportunities for young people in the field of environmental protection. There are many forms of participation of young people: Voluntary work, school projects, scientific research or even participation in decision-making.
During the training, participants gathered both theoretical and practical experience, so they can use this information in their own environment for a more sustainable, greener environment. The program was supported by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ program.