Eco-Entrepreneurship: Youth Exchange in Sutomore, Montenegro

The youth exchange “Sustainable Innovations: Eco-Visionaries of Tomorrow” took place in Sutomore, Montenegro, from the 2nd of September to the 9th of September 2022 and involved 36 participants from 6 different countries. The youth exchange aimed to enable participants to explore the concepts of eco-entrepreneurship and circular economy, to learn about the realities and the practices in participating countries, to work on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset, to test the prototype of the Board Game and give feedback, to brainstorm and to work on the development of ideas for local projects addressing local ecological issues.

Check the experience of participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the text below.

Adila decided to apply to this project because she is very interested in the topic. She loves ecology and uses art to express her passion for it. She recognises the magnitude of the problem in today’s world, so she applied to acquire as much knowledge as possible, intending to implement it in the near future through the NGO sector.

This wasn’t her first youth exchange, but every time she participates, it feels like it is. For her, it’s exceptionally unique, with fresh workshops, innovative ideas, and, most importantly, the chance to meet new people who can become lifelong friends. They’ve taught her much, from sharing experiences about this topic to insights about Erasmus+. Youth exchanges indeed offer unique experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Now, she can brainstorm ideas without fear, create interactive teambuilding workshops, distinguish between what’s eco-friendly and what’s not, and identify greenwashing, among other skills. It’s the priceless knowledge from experience and non-formal education.

Dedication is the key.

As a young person, volunteer, and activist, she wishes more young individuals would recognise the importance of engaging themselves in the NGO sector and participating in Youth Exchanges and programs. It’s not only a place where you work diligently for the topic you’re passionate about and acquire new knowledge, but it is also a place where you socialise, meet new people, exchange traditions and languages, and so much more. It’s all about being friendly, open-minded, and hardworking. She wishes she had known all this earlier when she used to overthink and fear everything about youth exchanges and similar programs.

This serves as a reminder of the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new experiences. It’s exposure therapy for her, and every single time, she feels more prosperous and open.

Ajla said she considers herself fortunate to have been selected to participate in a youth exchange program in Sutomore.

She discovered the opportunity through an Instagram post and decided to apply, believing it was a fantastic chance to meet new people and experience something different. This marked her first time participating in such an event, so she had no specific expectations. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the experience.

The people she met there were funny and kind and eager to engage in conversations and make new friends. She arrived without knowing anyone but left Sutomore with 40 new friends.

During the initial two days, participants engaged in numerous activities designed to help them get acquainted with one another. These activities included energisers and various games that facilitated the formation of strong bonds within the group. After, they delved into exercises and research related to the theme of the youth exchange. They worked on generating new sustainable ideas, developing an online board game, and researching the main topic of the exchange. Ajla was also pleasantly surprised by a trip to Lake Skadar, which was an unforgettable day.

Additionally, she had the opportunity to practice public speaking, something she has always struggled with. She is immensely grateful to the organisers for affording this chance to address a larger audience composed of genuinely pleasant and welcoming individuals. She acquired a wealth of new knowledge during her time there, particularly regarding the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, trying new things, and overcoming the fear of meeting new people. She is extremely pleased with her decision to participate in this program and wholeheartedly recommends it to any young adult with spare time to invest.

And to people who worry that you won’t have much free time to explore the country that the youth exchange takes place in, don’t worry. The time was managed incredibly, and you will have much free time to spend with the friends you’ve made there. She is highly thankful to everyone who made this possible, especially the people who made this experience enjoyable and unforgettable.

Youth Exchange was organised as part of the project “Eco-Entrepreneurship & Circular Economy: On the Path to Sustainable Change”.

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