Climate-Conscious Youth Work

Why this training course?

Young people are among the most exposed populations to the accelerating climate crisis. According to European research and policy analysis, climate change is already affecting young people’s daily lives, health, and long‑term wellbeing, contributing to increased physical risks, social inequalities, and emotional strain, including eco‑anxiety. The Council of Europe and European Commission highlight that young people are currently experiencing and will continue to bear the brunt of worsening climate impacts, making climate action not only an environmental issue but a matter of intergenerational justice.

Youth engagement is increasingly recognised as a decisive force in achieving Europe’s green transition. Both formal (school systems, civic participation structures) and informal (community projects, youth work) pathways empower young people to contribute to environmental action. The European Green Deal support initiatives emphasise that youth bring creativity, fresh perspectives, and a direct stake in long‑term climate solutions, making their involvement indispensable.

The Council of Europe’s groundbreaking Recommendation on Young People and Climate Action stresses that young people must be meaningfully included in climate decision‑making processes. The recommendation highlights the need to protect young climate defenders, ensure access to rights, and remove structural barriers preventing youth from influencing policy.

The objectives of the training course

This training course aims to contribute to the strategic goal of our Erasmus+ youth mobility accreditation - to strengthen the role of youth work in the sustainable development of society by integrating the principles, approaches and tools of education for sustainable development and global citizenship education in youth work activities on local, national and international levels.

Objectives of the training course:

• Explore current global trends related to climate change and sustainability;
• Develop a shared understanding of the concept of sustainability and its relevance to youth work;
• Understand the complexity and multiple perspectives surrounding climate challenges;
• Highlight the importance of climate justice and equity in addressing climate issues and developing solutions;
• Explore real-life case studies of community and youth-led climate and sustainability initiatives;
• Practice non-formal learning tools and youth work approaches that support young people in developing competencies for sustainable living and active citizenship;
• Support participants in designing sustainable, local, and participatory climate action initiatives that amplify young people’s voices;
• Create a safe and inclusive space for intercultural dialogue, exchange of experiences, networking, and partnership building.

Profile of participants

• Youth workers, youth leaders, or educators engaged in youth centers, youth organisations, or any entity providing diverse activities for and with young people.
• Mentors, trainers and coordinators actively involved in local and/or international youth activities outside the formal education sector.
• Have little or no prior experience in climate change and sustainability topics.
• Motivated to enhance their professional competencies and incorporate climate concerns and sustainability principles into their daily work with young people.
• Citizens or residents of eligible regions, including Erasmus+ Programme countries, Eastern Partnership countries, or Western Balkan countries.
• Connected to an organisation with an Erasmus+ OID number that agrees to act as the sending organisation and support the participant in applying the learning outcomes.
• Not participating in another Erasmus+ long-term project (e.g., student exchange, European Solidarity Corps, Erasmus internship) during the training period.
• Have a good command of English, as the training will be conducted in English.
• Able to participate in the entire programme of the training course.

The venue

Sadauskų sodyba, Address: Jurbarko pl. 351, Antalkių km., Vilkijos sen., Kauno rajonas, LT 54217

Website: http://www.sadauskusodyba.lt/en/

Application

Application form: https://forms.gle/Yp7fWreWcBbXaxNb7

Please, fill in this application form by the 30th of March, 23:59.
We will inform the applicants about the selection results by the 3rd of April.