Greencademy: Empowering Youth Workers for Green Transition

<< Background >>We applied for the Greencademy KA210 project in response to the growing need to equip youth workers with the skills, tools, and methodologies to guide young people through the green transition. Across Europe, youth workers face significant challenges in addressing climate change and sustainability, especially when working with marginalised youth who often lack access to green education and infrastructure. The project aimed to fill the gap in existing youth work practices by developing practical, research-informed tools to promote green skills, sustainability, and environmental engagement. We addressed the need for more inclusive, accessible, and locally adaptable approaches to green youth work, while also fostering European collaboration and knowledge exchange.<< Objectives >>The Greencademy project aimed to equip youth workers with the tools and knowledge needed to support young people (with fewer opportunities) in developing green skills and engaging in sustainability practices. Our main objectives were:To research the current landscape of green skills and youth work in four partner countries, identifying needs, gaps, and promising practices;To co-create a practical Toolkit with non-formal education methods adapted to different youth work settings;To enhance the competences of youth workers through an international Training of Trainers and local pilot workshops;To compile a multilingual Guidebook with tools, methodologies, and real-world applications to support green education in youth work;To increase awareness of green skills and promote dialogue with stakeholders through national multiplier events and targeted dissemination.To sum up, the project aimed to improve the quality, relevance, and reach of environmental education in youth work across Europe.<< Implementation >>The project was implemented through six interlinked activities over a 12-month period. It began with research on green skills and youth work in Germany, France, Romania, and Poland. Each partner conducted national desk research, surveys, and focus groups, resulting in four national reports and one comparative report. Based on these findings, we co-developed the Greencademy Toolkit—an educational resource containing 20 adaptable tools to support youth work on sustainability topics.We then organised a 4-day international Training of Trainers in Pau, France, where youth workers tested the tools, provided feedback, and aligned methodologies. Following this, each partner implemented the tools locally with young people and youth workers, adapting them to their specific contexts. Insights from these pilot workshops helped us finalise the Toolkit and informed the creation of a multilingual Guidebook.Dissemination included local multiplier events in each country, reaching over 90 participants, as well as continuous online promotion through websites, social media and 4 newsletters. Project management and coordination were carried out through regular meetings and shared digital tools. << Results >>Research: Four national reports and one Comparative Report were produced based on desk research, surveys (200 young peo), and focus group discussions (60 youth worker). These reports mapped the needs, challenges, and opportunities related to green skills in youth work across partner countries.Toolkit: A practical educational resource with 20 tested tools designed to introduce green skills, environmental awareness, and sustainability into youth work. The tools are adaptable for use in formal and non-formal settings.Training of Trainers: A 4-day international training was held in Pau, France, to test and refine the Toolkit. 12 youth workers participated and helped improve the content and usability of the tools.Pilots: Each partner implemented 3 local pilot sessions using Toolkit activities. These pilots reached young people,13-30, and contributed valuable insights for tool adaptation and contextualisation.Guidebook: A user-friendly, visually engaging manual that combines research findings, implementation strategies, and the tested tools to support youth workers in delivering green skills education.Multiplier Events in all 4 countries engaged more than 90 stakeholders and share resultsOngoing management & dissemination