In January 2026, six motivated young people from CEGE, Bulgaria (Victoria, Margarita, Kalin, Damian, Lyubomir, Nikola) and the group leader (Martin), took part in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “GREENCONOMY”, hosted by our partners from HRYO in Palermo, Italy. What started as a sustainability-focused project quickly became a powerful shared experience full of practical learning, cultural discovery, meaningful connections, and lasting memories.

About the project

The project was built around the ideas of ecological awareness, circular economy, and creative sustainability. Instead of traditional classroom-style education, participants learned through direct experience, workshops, field visits, and reflection. This hands-on approach made the learning process engaging, accessible, and impactful.

Viktoria, shared that the project stood out because of its practical nature. It was not educational in the classic school sense, but rather eye-opening and engaging. Participants learned how to turn waste into something useful, how to plant properly, and how to recognize greenwashing in everyday life. These activities helped them better understand sustainability as something concrete and applicable, not just theoretical.

The experience

Beyond the sessions, the project was also about human connections, shared learning and meeting people from different cultures.

The group dynamics were strengthened by working in different teams throughout the project. This approach helped participants connect more easily, collaborate with different people, and build a strong sense of community. Kalin noted that changing groups made the activities even more enjoyable and helped everyone get to know each other better.

Some of the most meaningful moments happened outside the official program. Late-night walks through the city, long conversations in the hostel, shared laughter, and spontaneous music created a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Viktoria described how these moments, rather than a single activity, became her strongest memories of the project. 

Damian highlighted the kindness and positive energy throughout the project, describing the experience as full of warmth and connection. Singing Bella Ciao together with the organizers became one of the most emotional and memorable moments of the exchange.

One of the most memorable parts of the project was the time spent at Terra Franca, an ecological community space where participants took part in outdoor activities such as building, planting, composting, and learning about nature and sustainable living. Margarita described this experience as one of the highlights of the project, appreciating the opportunity to learn through direct contact with nature. 

Participants also appreciated the welcoming attitude of the facilitators, who made everyone feel like part of the local community. Martin shared that hearing stories about the history of Palermo and Sicily was deeply inspiring and made the experience feel truly unique. He also emphasized the strong engagement of the Bulgarian team, who approached every activity with motivation and enthusiasm.

Of course, the experience would not be complete without mentioning the food. Italian cuisine became an important part of daily life during the project, adding to the overall enjoyment and cultural immersion.

Why it matters

GREENCONOMY proved to be much more than a youth exchange. It was a space for learning, connection, and personal growth, leaving participants inspired and motivated to continue exploring sustainable lifestyles and active citizenship. For many, the project was not just a one-time experience, but the beginning of a lasting connection with sustainability, international cooperation, and Palermo itself.