The small town of Săcueni, Romania, was abuzz with youthful energy and international collaboration as 23 young people from Estonia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia gathered for an Erasmus+ youth exchange between August 30th to September 6th. Under the guidance of one group leader from each participating country, and facilitated by Dóra Aczél and Orsolya Bíró, the project titled “The Role of Media in Environmental Protection” was brought to life by the Ér Hangja Association. Over the course of eight days, the participants delved into the intricate relationship between media and environmental issues, exploring how media can influence sustainable behaviors and practices.
The first activity day set the stage for a week of learning and collaboration. A series of energizing activities, including name games and icebreakers, helped the participants get to know one another. Ground rules were established to ensure a smooth and enjoyable exchange. The group then explored the deeper aspects of the Erasmus+ program, highlighting its benefits and the significance of the Youthpass. In the afternoon, participants were divided into international groups and embarked on a task-filled walk through Sacueni, designed to familiarize them with the town and its key landmarks. The day wrapped up with group discussions led by the team leaders, reflecting on the importance of competencies in youth exchange, and concluded with an international night showcasing the diverse cultures of the participants.
The focus of the second day was the impact of media on individuals and society. The participants explored concepts such as the circular economy and the “7 Rs” of environmental education—Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Repurpose. Each group created posters demonstrating practical applications of these principles. Later, a bingo game on sustainability introduced participants to concepts like veganuary, community gardening, and the use of solid shampoo, highlighting how small changes can lead to significant environmental benefits.
Roleplay exercises addressed the challenges faced by youth with fewer opportunities and how these affect their engagement in environmental actions. The afternoon featured a debate led by the Serbian team on the influence of mass media on sustainable development. The lively discussion covered topics such as the portrayal of electric cars, veganism, and sustainable advertising, emphasizing the potential of media to promote eco-friendly alternatives. The consensus was clear: sometimes, simplicity and mindful choices can lead to more impactful environmental awareness.
During the youth exchange, the national teams presented various presentations, but there was also time for a city tour in Oradea. Another interesting activity of the project was when participants conducted interviews with Săcueni locals about their views on environmental protection and eco-consciousness. This hands-on activity provided insights into community perspectives, with filming taking place at various locations such as the market, library, and cafés. The participants were pleasantly surprised to find that many locals were already practicing eco-friendly habits, like recycling bottles. The afternoon continued with a workshop brainstorming session, where groups proposed creative ideas such as “Plant-Growing in Used Plastic Bottles” and “Creating Your Own Compost inside a Plastic Bottle,” aimed at promoting sustainability in their home countries.
The penultimate day saw the group focus on finalizing the videos of their community interviews, but not before a special guest, Zoltán Bokor jr. from Romsilva Ocolul Silvic Săcueni (Săcueni Forestry Department), shared his expertise on forest and wildlife protection and their relation with various media channels. His talk offered a deeper understanding of sustainable forestry practices, the complexities of tree harvesting, and the critical role of proper timing and management in conservation efforts. The afternoon was dedicated to video editing, as participants worked in their international groups to produce concise and impactful films that reflected their findings and the environmental consciousness of Săcueni’s residents.
The final day was an emotional wrap-up of the week’s activities. Participants filled out their Youthpasses, reflecting on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the project. The day was filled with heartfelt farewells, as new friendships and cross-cultural bonds were celebrated with hugs and tears.
The “Role of Media in Environmental Protection” youth exchange achieved its aims of enhancing young people’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. By engaging with mass media critically, participants learned to evaluate environmental information more thoughtfully and to advocate for sustainable practices. Through the project’s varied activities, the young people not only gained theoretical knowledge but also developed practical skills, empowering them to take active roles in ecological initiatives and civic engagement in their own communities.
The international partnership fostered through this exchange has strengthened the capacities of all involved, providing a platform for sharing experiences and strategies that will continue to benefit youth work across Europe. The Ér Hangja Association, along with facilitators Dóra Aczél and Orsolya Bíró, successfully created a dynamic and inclusive environment that embraced diversity and encouraged learning and development for all participants. The past few days have confirmed to young people that anyone can play an active role, and all what they have learnt here is a solid foundation for a future in which young people are prepared to tackle environmental challenges, transform their communities, and shape a greener, more mindful society. As the participants returned to their home countries, they took with them not just memories of an enriching experience but also the inspiration and tools to make a difference in their own communities, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
The project is funded by the Erasmus+ programme.
