Roots of Sustainability: Bringing Recycling Knowledge to the Community

The Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project “Roots of Sustainability” (Reference No: 2025-1-TR01-KA152-YOU-000299086) took place in Kastamonu, Türkiye, from 1 to 8 February 2026. Coordinated by Kastamonu Kalkınma Sağlık Çevre Eğitim ve Turizm Vakfı, the project brought together young participants from Türkiye, Georgia, Germany, Austria, and Denmark, with the participation of Persephone Environmental Development Association as a partner organization. The project aimed to strengthen environmental responsibility, sustainability awareness, and recycling knowledge through international learning experiences and intercultural cooperation.

Participants began the day with an energetic balloon-based team game designed to boost motivation and engagement. The activity encouraged quick thinking, coordination, and strategic decision-making while creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere. Through friendly competition and active participation, young people strengthened their teamwork skills and built stronger connections with one another, preparing them for the collaborative activities ahead.

The “Exploring Recycling II” panel session expanded participants’ understanding of recycling by focusing on metal waste, organic waste, and electronic waste management. Through presentations, discussions, and multimedia materials, participants gained detailed knowledge about how different types of waste can be processed and reused. The interactive question-and-answer sessions encouraged critical thinking, active participation, and knowledge sharing, while the presenters developed valuable public speaking and communication skills.

The Eco-Friendly Market Initiative provided participants with an opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting. Using the recycled products they had created during previous workshops, participants engaged directly with local community members and promoted the importance of recycling and environmental responsibility. By presenting and distributing their handmade items, they enhanced their communication, teamwork, and social responsibility skills while raising public awareness about sustainable lifestyles. The activity also highlighted the positive impact of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.

A recycling-themed quiz, evaluation activities, and cultural sharing sessions further enriched the learning experience. The quiz enabled participants to review and reinforce the knowledge they had acquired throughout the project, while evaluation activities encouraged reflection on personal growth and learning outcomes. Cultural presentations allowed participants to explore the traditions, history, language, and customs of the participating countries, fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual respect. Together, these activities contributed to the development of both environmental awareness and cultural understanding, supporting the overall objectives of the project.