Picture this: a Wild West town in the heart of Greece. No, this isn’t a scene from an old western film or a mirage after a few too many hours in the sun. This was The Ranch in Sofiko, near Corinth, a sprawling place where Greece meets the spirit of the American frontier. Thanks to NIVAM and the Hellenic National Agency, I had the privilege of participating in the Youth@Work seminar on “Green Youth Work” here. And it was every bit as surreal as it sounds.
When I arrived at The Ranch, it was like stepping into another world—one where wooden saloons with names like “Dallas” and “Nevada,” all written in Greek letters. Typically filled with thousands of young campers in the summer, the place felt almost ghostly with our small group of 15 participants and three facilitators. Halloween decorations added to the spooky atmosphere, with mysterious noises echoing from the roofs at night. It was the perfect setting for some real introspection—an adventure as unique as the training we were there for.
The Training: Tools, Competencies, and a Glimpse into the Future
The seminar was all about equipping youth workers with the knowledge and tools to embed green practices and sustainable thinking into their work. We dove deep into the EU Sustainability Competence Framework (GreenComp), which provides a roadmap for developing sustainable habits. It’s non-prescriptive yet powerful, offering flexibility while encouraging people to think, plan, and act with sustainability at the core.
But the real magic of the seminar lay in Scaffold. Imagine a deck of 102 cards, each one sparking ideas, offering guidance, or challenging you to think a bit differently about teaching. Scaffold is a fantastic tool that helps educators design impactful learning experiences, breaking down each EU competence into manageable, practical steps. Using this, we created some exciting educational activities in small groups—ideas we could bring home and actually use in our work.
We even ventured into DigiComp, another EU framework designed to boost digital confidence—a must-have in today’s fast-paced world. As the seminar wrapped up, we each wrote a letter to our future selves—a habit we at SEQ picked up from projects like “Dear Tomorrow, Dear Slovakia.” It was a grounding exercise, urging us to reflect on what we’d learned and how we’d like to change. The experience was intense, a whirlwind of ideas, tools, and newfound resolve to make positive change.
And let’s not forget our plogging session in Xylocastro, where we picked up litter along the beaches and forest paths. It was an active reminder of why we were here and how much of a difference small actions can make. This resonates with projects like The Green Triangle, where youth from Slovakia, Poland, and Armenia come together through plogging events, workshops, and hackathons to raise awareness and find real solutions for a sustainable future. It’s inspiring to think of this generation’s impact!
The People: Bonds That Go Beyond Borders
The best advice I received was right at the beginning: “The people you meet here will be the best thing you take home.” And it’s true. There we were, a mix of youth workers and educators from all over Europe—Slovakia, Poland, Turkey, Greece, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Hungary, Ireland—coming together to learn, laugh, and grow. Some worked in schools, others in NGOs, and others still in various agencies, each with a unique background. But all of us had something in common: a commitment to making an impact.
In every conversation, I found a new insight or fresh perspective. I picked up tips on everything from organizing more sustainable events to revamping internal processes. It was like having a personal advisory board made up of some of the most passionate people I’d ever met.
What I’m Bringing Home: More Than Just Memories
I’m bringing back more than just a to-do list; I’m bringing back a mission. At SEQ, I’m committed to implementing green practices in our everyday activities. Whether it’s logistics, event planning, or daily routines, there are countless ways we can become more efficient, more structured, and more sustainable.
But even more than that, I’m bringing home a sense of purpose. The advice, stories, and encouragement from people who have walked this path before me have shown me what’s possible. It’s not just about making SEQ better; it’s about expanding our impact, reaching further, and inspiring others to join us on this journey.
And so, with my future self cheering me on (thanks to that letter!), the work starts now.