Greencademy youth exchange 2024

This year, we experienced our 4th Greencademy youth exchange from September 16th to 27th in Erfurt.

Our central goal continues to be raising awareness among young adults across Europe about the challenges posed by climate change. A particular focus is placed on imparting knowledge about biodiversity and fostering a deeper understanding of ecologically sustainable agriculture.

A highlight of this year’s program was our collaboration with the Guatemalan cacao team “cacaosource,” which provided us with fascinating insights into their sustainable and fair cacao cultivation practices. What was especially impressive was their commitment not only to paying indigenous farmers fair wages but also to preserving and strengthening their culture. Participants had the opportunity to hear from the cacao farmers about their cultivation methods and philosophy, take part in a traditional cacao ceremony, and, of course, taste the delicious cacao. A creative workshop allowed the young people to develop their own chocolate creations using pure cacao mass and honey.

In addition, experienced trainers delivered engaging presentations on sustainability, explaining how sustainable social enterprises function. Armed with this knowledge, the participants approached their own projects with great creativity, developing their own sustainable business ideas. From phone cases made of recycled plastic to minimizing food waste in restaurants, the young people presented their innovative concepts to a wide audience.

Alongside these theoretical and practical workshops, there were numerous excursions that enriched the exchange. We visited LebensGut Cobstädt e.V., a place for communal and sustainable living, as well as the Garden Tree Museum at the EGA, a green oasis in the heart of the city, and the castle in Tannroda, where we held a seminar on sustainable community building in rural areas. Another highlight was participating in a cleanup event as part of the World Cleanup Day along the Gera River, where the participants actively contributed to environmental protection.

The Greencademy 2024 was an inspiring and enriching project that not only imparted knowledge about climate change and sustainability to young people from across Europe but also gave them the opportunity to take action and develop creative solutions for a better future. Through encounters with dedicated partners such as “cacaosource” from Guatemala, LebensGut Cobstädt e.V., and hands-on workshops, participants gained valuable experiences that motivated them to take responsibility and implement sustainable projects.

With the Greencademy, we are making a strong statement about the need for awareness and action in environmental protection and sustainable development. In the coming years, we will continue to offer this valuable educational platform, providing young people with the opportunity to realize their ideas and actively engage in protecting our planet. Together, we can create positive change – and the Greencademy will remain a place where this change begins!