We just spent an amazing week in Cappadocia for our second Youth mobility on sustainable development!
As part of our Erasmus+ Up root project, young people from Ireland, Sweden, Danemark, Portugal and Turkey had the opportunity to travel to the marvelous Cappadocia region to discuss sustainable cities, learn more about the EU-Turkey relationship and explore the ancient sites.
The Project
Up-Root Eco-Democracy is a KA120 youth project aiming to empower youth by increasing awareness about the EU, democratic processes, and climate change. With the upcoming European Parliament elections in mind, the project aims to enhance youth participation in democracy. The project hopes to instil a sense of responsibility and activism among the youth, equipping them with the tools to shape the future and address the pressing issue of climate change. Up-Root has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all ongoing and scheduled activities. Young people will be engaged in local activities, online webinars and one more upcoming mobility in Turkey.
Day 1
We kicked off the mobility on the 3rd September with a lot of icebreakers and team building games that helped getting to know each other more before starting the activities. We then took part in an interactive seminars where we learned about and discussed the historical and political relations between Turkey & the EU that led to new opportunities such as this Erasmus+ project.
After lunch, we were introduced to the main topic of the mobility, sustainable city development, starting by discussing the Issues brought by the 2023 devastating earthquake in the South-East of Turkey.
The activities ended with a fun creative workshop! Young people came up with brand new solutions for sustainable city development, using recycled materials to build their prototypes. Group 1 developed an innovative eye catching creation for waste collection. Group 2 designed a boat combining water, wind and solar energy. Group 3 created a house system that used wind and solar energy, as well as a system to reuse rain in the household.
As the 1st day came to a close, we had fun on the Swedish and Danish cultural night.
Day 2
On the 2nd day, the activities were focused on the two main project topics: democracy and sustainability.
In the morning, we had a practical workshop. Participants created social media content to promote eco-friendly behavious, the project and the international day of the democracy.
We also took part in a mock election workshop. The two elected youth president and vice president lead the afternoon sessions, which included insightful roundtable discussion on the role of the EU in combating climate change. Young people expressed interesting and valid ideas on how institutions should move forward in their sustainable development plans.
Day 3
The 3rd day was excursion day! We had a great time learning more about Turkish history, trying local food and exploring Göreme stunning sites. In the afternoon, our Turkish host organised a visit to the Nevsehir municipality. Young people had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of the city and learn more about his political background, as well as his views for sustainable city development and tourism.
The day finished off with a bang! We listened to Turkish singers, tried the Irish dance and tasted some food from Portugal.
Day 4
On the last day, we wrapped up the mobility with a session to share our feedback and a certificate ceremony!
What’s next?
This was the last mobility planned for the Up-Root project, which is ending in February 2025. However, we have other opportunities for young people to take part in similar life-changing opportunities! Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on upcoming Erasmus+ youth opportunities.