Between 20 and 29 April we organized a youth exchange in Cristuru Secuiesc with upcycling theme with the participation of 36 young people from Romania, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia and Estonia. The project’s goal was to motivate participants to become more environmentally friendly by reusing recyclable waste or objects that have lost their functionality under their original form in a particular way, to create new objects from these things through remodelling, redecorating. We wanted to inspire young people to approach upcycling as a possible occupation and freelancing which could provide a source of income, a way of living for them. Also, through the 23 tutorials created we wanted to motivate the community to reuse waste in a creative manner, thus contributing to saving resources and environment protection.

Before the mobility each country received a product category: accessories, Jewellery, indoor or outdoor decorations, indoor or outdoor useful objects. The groups had the task to prepare these categories: designate objects that can be created in the given category, prepare materials, to get to know techniques. During the mobility the young people have created many objects in the 6 categories: Bags, Purses, chandelier, necklaces, bracelets, book cover, candle holders, earrings, bowls, etc. Participants also created 23 video tutorials which were distributed on the Internet and presented at the local „Berde Mozes” High school. On the last day they carried out a flash mob which aimed to make aware the locals of the importance of correct way of waste management: a participant was dressed up with waste, a participant played on guitar while the others tried to draw attention to the recyclable waste they held in their hands. The young people took part in a felting workshop and in an edible alchemy activity based on fermentation.

During the mobility the young people presented their culture, they got to know the other countries, their traditions, compared them and thus were able to be more tolerant in terms of cultural differences, accepted more easily the diversity. Besides presentations were held traditional and modern dances, but also gastronomic experiences (cooked and served meals from their countries).

At the end of the mobility participants received Youthpass Certificate.

The film of the project:

The tutorials made during the project:

You can read the brochure of the project here.

You can check the blog of the mobility here.

Photos from the youth exchange can be seen on our facebook page: