🇮🇹 "Green is the new Black" / 20-28.03.2025 - Filadelfia (VV), Calabria, Italy
- Arte Diem Calabria
- Jan 17, 2025
- 25 min read
Updated: Feb 22
Between the 20th and 28th of March 2025, the town of Filadelfia in Calabria, Italy, was alive with youthful energy as it hosted Green is the New Black, a dynamic Erasmus+ youth exchange focused on eco-entrepreneurship. 42 young people from Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Germany came together for nine days to learn how to create business ideas that are not only smart and innovative but also gentle on the planet.
In line with Erasmus+ values, the exchange fostered an inclusive, intercultural environment, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and inspire each other. The goal was clear: empower youth to become eco-entrepreneurs who can turn green ideas into real actions, all while forming a tight-knit international team and discovering the local Calabrian culture.
Project Objectives:
Empower Green Entrepreneurs: Show young people how to develop business ideas that combine innovation with environmental responsibility.
Build Practical Skills: Strengthen soft skills (teamwork, leadership, communication) and entrepreneurial tools (business planning, digital skills) through hands-on workshops.
Foster Intercultural Understanding: Create a safe space for cultural exchange, teamwork, and inclusion, breaking stereotypes and forming new friendships across countries.
Connect with Community & Nature: Learn from Calabria’s local heritage and real examples of sustainability (like a family-run eco-friendly winery) to link global green concepts with local action.
🚀 Getting Started: Welcomes, Icebreakers & Team Spirit
The exchange kicked off with a warm welcome from the hosting team Arte Diem Calabria. As participants arrived on 20th March, they settled into the accommodation, met their roommates, and started getting to know the beautiful surroundings of Filadelfia. That evening, project coordinators Emanuel and Rocco officially opened the program, introducing the “Green is the New Black” idea. They explained how the week would unfold and what eco-entrepreneurship means, learning to build businesses that are clever, youth-driven, and respectful of the environment. This introduction sparked everyone’s curiosity and set a motivating tone: we were here to gain new skills, think green, and turn our ideas into action!
The next morning (Day 1) began with high energy and ice-breaking activities to transform a group of strangers into a team. We started with a playful name-and-gesture game where each person said their name with a unique motion, and the whole circle enthusiastically repeated it. Laughter filled the room as we learned each other’s names in a creative way. To help remember everyone, we even took instant photos and made personalized envelope “mailboxes” for each participant, throughout the week these envelopes would collect little notes, memories, and feedback from others. We also picked names for a week-long “Secret Friend” game: each person secretly looked out for one fellow participant, leaving anonymous encouraging notes or small surprises to brighten their day. These simple activities broke the initial shyness and built a caring atmosphere from the start.
To set a positive group culture, we moved on to sharing our hopes, fears, and contributions for the project. Using an interactive online board, everyone wrote what they hoped to gain, any worries they had, and how they planned to contribute. Seeing these on a screen helped us understand each other’s expectations and create a safe space — many hoped to improve their entrepreneurial skills and make international friends; some feared public speaking or language barriers; everyone pledged to be supportive and open-minded. Next, an introspective exercise called “Who am I?” asked each person to list 8 things that define them (values, hobbies, roles, etc.), then gradually narrow it down to the one thing they couldn’t give up. This surprisingly deep task made us reflect on our core values and share something personal with the group. It was a powerful way to show what matters most to each of us, from “family” to “creativity” to “freedom”, and it brought the group closer on a human level.
By midday, we collectively created a set of group rules. Instead of the organizers imposing guidelines, we all suggested how we wanted to work and live together for the week. Ideas flowed, respect each other’s opinions, be on time, speak English so everyone understands, keep the environment tidy, include everyone in activities, and so on and Emanuel jotted them on a flipchart. In the end, we all raised our hands and agreed to these rules, giving us a sense of ownership and responsibility for our community.
The afternoon kept the momentum with a light-hearted “speed dating” game. We formed two facing lines of chairs and had short, fun conversations with the person in front of us, switching every couple of minutes. Prompted by quirky questions, we quickly discovered each other’s personalities. This was a fantastic way to connect one-on-one beyond national teams, and it got everyone mixing and laughing. To encourage continuous mingling, we also learned about the “Ladybug” game: anyone could draw a ladybug on someone’s hand anytime, and that meant those two must take a moment to chat. This cute ongoing game became an excuse to approach anyone and ensured nobody stayed isolated – by the end of the week, our hands were often doodled with little ladybugs, proof of many spontaneous conversations!
In the evening, a playful twist kept the energy high during dinner. The “punishments” game meant that anyone who arrived late or lost an earlier challenge had to perform for the group. Soon we had people standing on chairs singing their country’s catchiest pop song or doing a funny dance. The dining hall was filled with applause and friendly teasing, turning even mealtime into a bonding experience. We capped off Day 1 by blasting a mix of Italian, Macedonian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Greek, and German music, as each national group taught the others a few dance moves. From traditional steps to viral TikTok dances, we tried it all. By nighttime, it was hard to believe we had only met 24 hours before, the group spirit was soaring, barriers were down, and we felt ready to tackle the week together. 🎉
🚀 GNB Project Start (Day 1 Recap) Video
A quick recap of Day 1, featuring the initial icebreakers, team formation, and first impressions of participants as the project kicked off.
🤝 Team Bonding & Local Connection in Filadelfia (Day 2)
We kicked off Day 2 with an energizer from Romania, the famous “Ninja” game, which had everyone jumping, ducking, and striking dramatic poses to avoid being tagged. It was impossible not to wake up after that! Fully energized, we dove into a morning of team-building with a local twist. The organizers had prepared a scavenger hunt that turned the town of Filadelfia into our playground. We split into mixed-nationality teams and received a list of fun missions to complete around the area. Each task pushed us to cooperate, think on our feet, and interact with the locals.
For example, we had to find and take creative photos of specific things like an animal, something green, or a unique local monument. We also had challenges like talking to a local resident (using a bit of Italian or even Calabrese dialect we had picked up) to learn a fact about the town, or staging a funny group pose in front of the town hall. Within minutes, teams were buzzing through the streets, some teams headed for the main square to find people to talk to, while others peeked into shops or parks in search of those quirky items on our list. The Filadelfia locals greeted us with curiosity and warmth, happily teaching us a word or two in dialect or pointing us toward the prettiest street mural we “just had to include” in our scavenger hunt photos.
What made the scavenger hunt more than just a game was how it naturally built communication and trust. We had to strategize quickly and adapt on the fly. Some people stepped up as leaders to organize the tasks, others excelled at breaking the ice with strangers or coming up with hilarious photo ideas. By the end of the hunt, not only did we discover charming corners of Filadelfia that we might have missed, but we also discovered each other’s strengths and personalities.
After lunch, we reconvened, curious to see what each team had found. A quick Romanian dance energizer (involving random bursts of dance moves 🔄💃) got us laughing and ready. Then each team presented their scavenger hunt results. This turned into a mini storytelling session, we projected our favorite photos and recounted how we got them. One team shared how a friendly baker invited them into his bakery for a group selfie (and gave them free cookies 🍪!), another showed a video of them teaching a local child how to say “green future” in English, and yet another group proudly displayed a selfie with the town’s oldest tree they found in a park. It was amazing to see how different each team’s approach had been: some went super competitive ticking off as many items as possible, while others focused on quality and creativity of interactions. We all cheered and clapped, appreciating both the funny moments and the teamwork it took. Through this, we started to value the different communication styles in the group – whether it was quick planning, artistic flair, or boldness to talk to strangers, every approach had merit.
Then we were greeted by Anna Bartucca, the Mayor of Filadelfia, who graciously met our international group. Many of us had never met a mayor before, so it was pretty exciting! In a brief talk , the Mayor welcomed us to the town, expressed her happiness to see so many countries represented, and encouraged us to feel at home in Filadelfia. She spoke about the town’s commitment to engaging young people and was curious about our project’s theme of sustainability and entrepreneurship. The fact that the local authorities were supportive and interested in our presence gave us a sense of responsibility, we weren’t just “visitors,” we were temporarily part of Filadelfia’s story.
This meeting underscored that our project wasn’t happening in a bubble; it was linked with real people and places around us.
Right after meeting the Mayor, we harnessed that inspiration for a brainstorming session back at our venue: what does “green entrepreneurship” actually mean in practice? We broke into small discussion groups mixing nationalities, and each group tackled questions about sustainable business in the real world. We debated examples of eco-friendly businesses we knew and what challenges a young entrepreneur might face trying to be green. We also considered the role of local communities: how can a town like Filadelfia (or our own hometowns) support youth to start green initiatives? Ideas ranged from local government grants for green startups, to community campaigns encouraging people to shop from eco-conscious businesses.
This open discussion got everyone thinking critically about sustainability beyond buzzwords. It helped bridge the gap between the week’s training and life back home, reminding us that small actions, like a community garden or a recycling drive, can be starting points for bigger entrepreneurial ideas. By the end, each group shared one key takeaway. One group said, “Green entrepreneurship isn’t just about inventing something new, it can be improving what’s already around you – like making a family business more eco-friendly.” Another noted, “We realized we need to involve the community: a green business succeeds if people understand and support it.” These insights set a thoughtful tone and gave context for the more hands-on business planning we’d do later in the week.
After a full day, the evening brought some lighthearted fun with our “Smile/Gossip Box”. This was an anonymous question box left out all day where anyone could drop a note, asking a silly question, sharing a compliment, or poking fun at something (all in good spirit). Now we opened it up! As our host read out the notes, roars of laughter ensued. The Gossip Box turned out to be a brilliant way to voice things we might be shy to say openly – whether humorous or serious, and it created lots of camaraderie (and a few blushing faces for those who suspected they’d been identified in the “gossip”!).
Finally, we topped off Day 2 with our first Intercultural Night, featuring Italy and Romania. 🇮🇹🇷🇴 The room transformed into a mini world fair: the Italian team had a table with local Calabrian treats and the Romanians traditional snacks. We all grabbed our plates and, as we tasted each other’s foods, the teams entertained us with presentations and performances. People wore each other’s flags as capes, attempted tongue twisters in each other’s languages, and took countless group selfies. By midnight, as we formed one big circle arm-in-arm for a final song, it was clear that in just two days, strangers had become family. The mix of teamwork, meaningful discussion, and cultural celebration had created a special bond in our Green is the New Black group. 🥰
🍀 “World Café” in Filadelfia - Day 2 Highlights
A short recap video of our second day’s key moments, including the community scavenger hunt and our brainstorming “world café” session on green entrepreneurship.
🍷 Local Inspiration: Winery Visit & “Shark Tank” Simulation (Day 3)
One of the most exciting parts of the exchange was seeing real-world green entrepreneurship in action. On Day 3, we kicked off the morning with a short trip just outside Filadelfia to visit Cantine Dastoli, a family-run winery known for its sustainable practices. The Dastolis welcomed us with open arms and began our tour among the vineyards under the Calabrian sun. Here, we learned how this local business has intertwined tradition with eco-friendly methods. The brothers explained how they avoid synthetic pesticides, use solar panels for energy at the farm, and recycle water and organic waste in the wine production process.
Inside the winery, we followed the journey of the grape: from the big stainless-steel fermentation tanks to the serene cellar where wooden barrels aged the wine. It smelled wonderful – a mix of oak, grape must, and that indefinable scent of history you find in old cellars. 🏺 Throughout the tour, what impressed us most was that Cantine Dastoli is run by a family who also hold other jobs during the day! Their dedication to building an eco-friendly local business in their spare time was truly inspiring. They shared how it wasn’t easy at first, investing in sustainable tech and certifications took time and money, but step by step they grew, focusing on quality and staying true to their values. This resonated deeply: it was a living example that being green can go hand-in-hand with entrepreneurship, if you have patience and commitment.
After the informative tour, we gathered for a wine tasting which doubled as a lesson in adding value through storytelling. We sampled two types of Dastoli wine: a robust red and a crisp white, both produced organically. As we sipped, the owners talked about the characteristics of each wine, the grape varietals, and the local terroir. They also served km0 appetizers, locally sourced cheese, salami, and bread, emphasizing how supporting other local producers is part of their ethos. Many of us had never done a formal tasting before; it was fun to swirl the glass, sniff, and try to detect “notes of fruit” or “hints of spice” like real sommeliers. Beyond the flavors, what we really savored was the story behind the product. We discussed how a good business isn’t just about selling a thing, but an experience and a narrative. Cantine Dastoli’s story gave their wine a special meaning and identity. This sparked conversations among participants about our own budding business ideas: what story or value would we want to infuse in our future projects? The visit to the winery wasn’t just a pleasant outing; it was an eye-opener on how local entrepreneurship can be green, culturally rich, and economically viable all at once.
🍷 “Eco-Inspiration: Cantine Dastoli” (Instagram)
A video segment spotlighting our visit to Cantine Dastoli winery. It showcases how a local business in Filadelfia implements sustainable practices, serving as an inspirational case study for eco-entrepreneurship.
Back in Filadelfia that afternoon, it was time to put on our entrepreneur hats. We launched into a “Shark Tank” simulation, playfully dubbed “Circular Economy in Action”. The concept: each team had to come up with a brand-new eco-business idea, and then pitch it to the rest of us, who acted as both supporters and critical “shark” investors. We divided into mixed teams, ensuring every group had a balance of different countries and skills. Armed with flipchart paper, markers, and our fresh inspiration from the winery, teams got brainstorming. The only rule was that the idea had to incorporate circular economy principles, meaning reduce waste, reuse materials, or recycle in some innovative way.
The room buzzed with creativity. Then came the pitch presentations. Each team took the floor in turn, presenting their eco-business to the “sharks”, the other teams plus facilitators, in a 5-minute pitch. To add to the atmosphere, some of us pretended to be tough investors asking sharp questions after each pitch (“What about competition? Why wouldn’t a big company copy your idea?” or “How will you convince people to change their habits?”). This simulation was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. For many participants, it was the first time pitching a business idea in English, under a time limit, trying to appear convincing.
But the support in the room was incredible: every team was cheered on, and every challenging question was asked with a friendly smile. We learned how to think on our feet, if an investor poked a hole in our plan, we had to quickly come up with a satisfactory answer or at least acknowledge the gap and propose a solution. It became clear how important public speaking and quick thinking are in entrepreneurship. After all pitches, we debriefed on the experience: people shared that they felt a boost in confidence, and also clarity on what to improve when presenting an idea. We discussed feedback generously, pointing out which arguments were convincing and where we as “investors” still had doubts. This friendly critique helped us understand how to strengthen an idea and its presentation. Overall, the Shark Tank activity was a fun crash course in entrepreneurship: within a few hours we went from zero to a full concept and got a taste of defending it under scrutiny. Who knew learning business could feel like a game show!
By nighttime, our brains were tired from all the innovation, but our hearts were full, which was perfect for another Intercultural Evening. This time we experienced the vibrant cultures of North Macedonia and Bulgaria 🇲🇰🇧🇬. The evening turned into a joyful blur of music and unity, by now, everyone knew each other so well that we moved as one big group, no longer Italians or Greeks or Germans, but friends. Late into the night, we merged all playlists and taught each other our favorite party moves. It was pure magic. Day 3 ended with a sense of inspiration and togetherness, we had learned from a real eco-business, challenged ourselves to create new ideas, and celebrated the richness of our cultures. If there was one thought as we headed to bed, it was: with friends like these across Europe, we truly can make green the new black! 🌟
🏞️ Community Day – Exploring Calabria’s Heritage (Day 4)
Midway through the exchange, it was time to step outside the classroom and draw inspiration from Calabria’s stunning heritage. Day 4 was our Community Day, dedicated to exploring the region and observing firsthand how culture, nature, and community life intertwine,and what that means for sustainability. This wasn’t just a sightseeing trip; it was designed as a learning journey to view places through the eyes of an eco-entrepreneur.
In the morning, under a bright blue sky, we boarded a bus and set off for the coastal gem of Tropea, about an hour away. Many of us had never been to Calabria’s coast, and Tropea is famous for its postcard-perfect scenery. But before we dispersed, Emanuel gathered us in the piazza to explain our special mission for the day. We split into our international teams again and each team got a simple photo scavenger task (yes, another scavenger hunt, but this one more observational): we had to capture three categories of photos in Tropea (and later in our next stop, Pizzo):
Cultural Identity - Historic spots, local traditions, handicrafts, anything that said “Tropea’s heritage”.
Natural Beauty - Landscapes, sea, plants, natural features that attract people or define the place.
Community Life - Locals interacting, street markets, daily activities, evidence of how people use public space.
Equipped with our phones and a sense of adventure, we fanned out across Tropea’s charming streets. It was a scavenger hunt for insights rather than points, encouraging us to notice details and patterns. As we wandered, we marveled at the ancient Santa Maria dell’Isola sanctuary perched atop a cliff, definitely a cultural and natural combo photo! We meandered through narrow lanes flanked by old Italian buildings with laundry hanging. One group stumbled upon a small shop where an old man was hand-painting ceramic plates; they chatted with him and learned he was carrying on a craft passed down for generations, a perfect cultural identity snapshot. Another group found a viewpoint overlooking the famous beach and noticed recycling bins and a sign about keeping Tropea clean, which sparked a discussion among them about how tourist spots manage waste.
By early afternoon, we regrouped for the next stop: Pizzo, another coastal town with its own character. On the way, people compared notes on Tropea. We noticed how much the town’s identity and economy are tied to tourism, almost every shop sign boasted local specialties, and many businesses were eco-conscious, likely to preserve what attracts visitors (the pristine sea and authentic culture). This realization fit perfectly with our project theme: sustainable tourism can be a form of green entrepreneurship too.
In Pizzo, we were greeted by a charming mix of medieval streets and seaside vibes. The tasks continued, and by now our eyes were keener. We noticed differences: while Tropea had a grand beach and lots of tourists, Pizzo felt more intimate and community-oriented with its smaller piazzas and locals enjoying evening passeggiata (stroll). Some teams headed straight to the Aragonese Castle of Murat, famous locally, we took selfies there and learned from a passerby about the legend of Joachim Murat (Napoleon’s brother-in-law) who met his fate in that castle, adding a historical twist to our cultural discoveries. We discovered that Pizzo is famed for its Tartufo ice cream (a must-try chocolate truffle gelato ball), naturally, we had to sample it! As we savored this delicious treat, it struck us how even a dessert can be a community’s entrepreneurial pride. We talked about how Pizzo’s small businesses have built a whole identity around Tartufo, drawing tourists and preserving a tradition, yet also facing the challenge of maintaining quality and authenticity.
By the time we returned to Filadelfia in the evening, everyone was a bit tired but glowing with experiences. On the bus ride back, there was a happy chatter and some soft singing, but also moments of reflection as we watched the Calabrian countryside roll by. Back at our accommodation, we didn’t have a formal session planned, it was a well-earned relaxed evening. Many of us gathered informally after dinner to share photos and stories from the day. Each team prepared a mini-gallery on their phones of their best Tropea & Pizzo shots, and we huddled in small groups to admire them.
The Community Day not only deepened our friendships (there’s nothing like travel to bond people), but also subtly taught us why protecting cultural and natural heritage matters, these were the assets that could inspire the very green businesses we want to create, and that need to be sustained for future generations. It was the perfect mid-week reset, filling us with fresh motivation to dive back into our workshops the next day. 🌅
🌅 Exploring Calabria (Tropea & Pizzo Edition) Video
A travel vlog-style video capturing the beauty of Tropea and Pizzo.
💡 Skills for Eco-Entrepreneurs & Business Planning (Day 5)
Day 5 focused on the skills needed to turn green ideas into reality. We gathered in the morning, energized with a focus exercise where each person named a crucial skill for eco-entrepreneurs, such as “creativity,” “resilience,” and “teamwork.” With warmed-up muscles and smiles, we began the workshop: Essential Skills for Eco-Entrepreneurs.
The facilitators led discussions on key soft skills for sustainable business, like communication and public speaking. We shared tips to overcome nervousness, such as practicing in front of friends, using visuals, and telling personal stories. We also explored negotiation and networking, role-playing scenarios to practice persuasion and deal-making, which was both enlightening and entertaining.
The most heartfelt activity was “The Hugs Activity”, emphasizing appreciation within the team. In small groups, we hugged those who inspired us or were great listeners, forming new connections and building trust. This activity highlighted the importance of empathy and team morale for successful projects. The emotional bonding and positive energy prepared us for the technical challenges ahead.
Post-lunch, we dived into practical skill-building with NGO Stations. This was a peer-to-peer session where participants themselves became trainers, sharing digital tools and methods they knew. Six “stations” were set up around the room, each led by a few volunteers who had experience with a particular tool or platform useful for project management and collaboration.
We rotated through the stations in small groups, which kept it engaging and personalized. It was amazing to see participants becoming educators. These sessions not only gave everyone new tech skills but also boosted the confidence of those presenting.
By the end, we all had accounts on at least one new platform and felt more equipped to organize our budding projects and disseminate our message professionally.
Finally, the time had come to channel everything we’d learned into Business Planning for Sustainability. We reassembled our teams from the Shark Tank activity to further refine those ideas, or for some, to choose a new idea they were more passionate about. This was where the real work happened in terms of entrepreneurship learning. Each team received a simplified Green Business Model Canvas template, a one-page chart to fill out with key points like Problem & Solution, Target Customers, Unique Value Proposition, Key Resources & Partners, Revenue Streams, Environmental Impact, etc. At first glance, it looked intimidating, but we took it step by step. The facilitators circulated around the room, helping prompt each group with questions.
Teams sprawled on the floor or clustered at tables, some drawing diagrams, others Googling facts. We took short “brain breaks” with goofy stretching exercises to keep energy up. By the end of the afternoon, each team had a rough but coherent sustainable business plan on paper. It felt like a real achievement! We hadn’t just dreamed up a concept; we gave it structure and considered its feasibility and impact. Everyone looked a bit tired yet satisfied, like we had climbed a small mountain together. To celebrate that feeling, we had the last amazing Intercultural Night with Greece and Germany 🇬🇷🇩🇪.
By the end of Day 5, between business planning and cultural sharing, we truly felt the richness of what Erasmus+ exchanges are about, learning, creating, and celebrating diversity, all at once. 🎊
🎥 Creating Change: Media Production & Dissemination (Day 6)
With our eco-business concepts refined, Day 6 focused on spreading the message. In youth exchanges and entrepreneurship, having great ideas isn't enough; you must communicate them and inspire others. This day was dedicated to media creation and planning how to disseminate our project's results and values widely.
We started with an energizing game of face exercises and tongue twisters to prepare for being on camera and microphone, which brought laughter and energy. Our facilitator led a discussion on why dissemination matters. We brainstormed who should hear about "Green is the New Black" and why: “Other young people - to motivate them to join Erasmus+!”, “Local authorities - to show youth care about sustainability.”, “Schools - to educate students about eco-entrepreneurship.”, “Our families - to share our accomplishments.”
We understood that sharing our experience is essential to the project’s purpose. If we kept this knowledge to ourselves, we'd miss creating a ripple effect. Facilitators reminded us of our responsibility as Erasmus+ participants to spread the word so more youth get involved and sustainable ideas multiply. We were ready to become ambassadors for the cause.
The Media Labs were a highlight for content creators, dividing us into creative teams to produce various media outputs:
Canva Design Team: Created a visual project booklet and infographics, compiling highlights into a PDF and designing social media graphics like “10 Tips for Green Entrepreneurship.”
Podcast Crew: Recorded two podcast episodes with participants discussing “Eco-entrepreneurship ideas from our cultures” and “What we learned in Green is the New Black,” capturing candid and engaging conversations.
Video Testimonials Team: Gathered participants’ testimonials on lessons learned and personal growth, compiling them into an inspiring video.
Educational Video Team: Produced a short educational video on eco-entrepreneurship using animations to explain difficult concepts in an accessible way.
Awareness Campaign Video Team: Created an artistic awareness video showing sustainable choices through a wordless story, emphasizing collective impact.
Project Highlights Video Team: Compiled a final project video summarizing the entire exchange, capturing memorable moments and setting them to fitting music.
The space buzzed with creativity, epitomizing peer learning and production: video editors assisted with footage, social media experts advised on hashtags, artists created illustrations, and techies managed file conversions. Every contribution, big or small, was vital. As the afternoon progressed, a sense of accomplishment grew; we transformed from participants into content creators. By day's end, most teams had drafts or final versions ready. The Canva team proudly exported a PDF booklet resembling a magazine, while video teams screened their projects, drawing cheers for bloopers. The podcast team shared a snippet during dinner to applause. It was incredibly rewarding to see our experiences crystallized into creative products for others to enjoy.
To celebrate, dinner featured a special treat: homemade tiramisù prepared by our host Francesco (The king of the Castle), met with a chorus of “Grazie!!”
Day 6 ended with gentle happiness, knowing tomorrow was our last full day, making every remaining moment precious.
📚 Project Results & Media
Throughout “Green is the New Black,” participants created a variety of artistic and digital outputs to share the experience and inspire others. Here is a collection of the project’s results and media (to be disseminated widely for maximum impact):
📖 Project Booklet - “Green is the New Black” Full Report
A collaborative booklet (PDF) compiling daily reports, photos, and highlights from the exchange. It includes descriptions of activities, participant reflections, and practical tips on eco-entrepreneurship learned during the project. (Download the booklet to dive into the details of each day.)
🎞️ Final Project Video
The official summary video that was presented at the final event, condensing the entire week into a dynamic story. It features key moments, smiling faces, and the essence of what the project was about - a perfect shareable glimpse into our exchange.
🎬 Promotional Video
A short, impactful video created to promote the project’s message and Erasmus+.
🎙️ Participants’ Testimonials (Video)
A candid compilation of participant testimonials, where individuals from each country share their personal experiences, what they learned, and how the exchange affected them. Their honest words and emotions highlight the power of such projects on youth development.
📢 Awareness Video
A creative short film produced by the participants to raise awareness about sustainable living. Through a simple day-in-the-life narrative, it contrasts unsustainable habits with green choices, delivering the message that small daily actions matter.
📚 Educational Video
A youth-friendly educational video, perfect for school settings or other youths, it breaks down a complex concept into relatable content.
🎧 “Green is the New Black” Podcast Episodes
Two engaging podcast episodes recorded by participants:
Episode 1: A conversation between Caius, Danielle, and Ariana
Episode 2: A chat with Marina, Nikol, and Jani
📱 Instagram Highlights
A collection of Instagram story highlights saved under our project’s profile, capturing candid moments, daily sneak peeks, and participant takeovers. https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18056342626974561/
🎥 Video Gallery - Project Highlights & Storytelling
A curated playlist of videos created during the project, capturing our journey from start to finish. This includes daily highlight reels, cultural night snippets, and storytelling videos that showcase the creative learning process.
📸 Full Photo Album - Project Gallery
A comprehensive photo album hosted on Facebook, containing hundreds of photos from all phases of the project.
🎉 Final Showcase & Farewell (Day 7)
The final day of our exchange arrived swiftly, filled with emotions, activities, and heartfelt goodbyes. Day 7 focused on presenting our achievements, reflecting on our journey, and celebrating the new family we formed in Filadelfia. We felt a mix of excitement to share our creations and sadness knowing it was our last day together.
The morning was dedicated to reflection and preparation for the finale. After breakfast, we held a meaningful reflection circle. Responses included realizations of personal capabilities, enjoyment of international collaboration, and new insights into sustainable living. This exercise highlighted personal growth.
To further support our reflection, we engaged in a collaborative painting activity. This creative endeavor allowed us to express our experiences visually and work together as a team.
We then filled in our Youthpass certificates, recognizing our skills. In pairs, we helped each other articulate achievements, such as improved public speaking and leadership. By the end, everyone had a Youthpass filled with new competences, from technical skills like project planning to soft skills like intercultural communication and teamwork. The certificates underscored that this week was not just fun, it was memorable.
As part of our closing activities, we took a moment to reveal our secret friends. Each participant had been secretly supporting and encouraging another throughout the week, and this reveal added an extra layer of nostalgia.
In the afternoon, it was showtime at the Auditorium Comunale of Filadelfia for our Final Public Event. The municipality provided the hall, and the support from the town was remarkable. Mayor Anna Bartucca facilitated the space, and Councillor Veronica Gugliotta ensured everything was set. We wore our project T-shirts with “Green is the New Black” and the Erasmus+ logo, looking like a unified team.
Rocco introduced the project to the local community, noting that 42 young participants from six countries had come together in Filadelfia (If they didn't notice yet ahah). We then presented our results and media outputs as teams.
And then, what else could follow but a farewell party, in true Erasmus style, it was full of mixed emotions: tears and laughter, hugs and dances. We played music from all our countries one more time, turning the hall into an international dance floor. People were writing messages on each other’s flags and t-shirts, exchanging small gifts or national souvenirs. Cameras flashed to capture every last moment. Some quieter corners saw heart-to-heart chats about meeting again.
Late into the night, we finally had to rest a bit for next day’s departures. Goodbyes went on and on, no one wanted to let go. Some were already planning reunion trips or applying to future projects together. It’s truly magical how in one week we had formed an Erasmus Family.
🤝 Meet Our Partners
“Green is the New Black” was made possible thanks to a strong partnership of youth organisations from six countries. Each partner played a key role in preparing, selecting, and supporting participants before the mobility, and in ensuring inclusion, quality learning, and meaningful follow-up after the exchange.
🇲🇰 North Macedonia - Association for Education and Development of Young People - EduArt Skopje Instagram | Facebook
🇩🇪 Germany - Youth Global Instagram | Facebook
🌍🤝 Thanks to Erasmus+ and Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù
“Green is the New Black” was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, with the support of Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù (Italian National Agency for Youth). We are grateful for this opportunity, which allowed young people to access high-quality non-formal education, develop key competences, and experience European citizenship in a concrete way.
🏛️ Thanks to the Municipality of Filadelfia
We warmly thank the Municipality of Filadelfia for the institutional support and the trust shown towards youth initiatives. A special acknowledgement goes to the Mayor of Filadelfia, Dott.ssa Anna Bartucca, for welcoming the group and strengthening the connection between the project and the local community. This openness showed participants that Erasmus+ projects can be a real driver for local development and sustainability pathways.
🏡 Thanks to Residenza L'Antico Borgo Hotel & Stonehenge Club
A heartfelt thank you to Residenza L'Antico Borgo Hotel, Francesco (The King of the Castle) and his team, the hosting place of the youth exchange, for the hospitality, flexibility, and practical support provided throughout the week. A comfortable and welcoming environment is essential for inclusion and group well-being, and your support helped participants feel safe, settled, and ready to fully engage in the programme.
🍇 Thanks to Cantine Dastoli
We sincerely thank Cantine Dastoli for hosting our educational visit and for showing a concrete example of how a local business can combine tradition, identity, quality, and sustainable practices. This experience offered participants a real learning moment and inspired important reflections on value creation, circular economy, and responsible entrepreneurship.
❤️ Thanks to the Local Community of Filadelfia
Finally, thank you to the local community of Filadelfia - citizens, shop owners, young people, and everyone who interacted with the group during the scavenger hunt and public moments. Your curiosity, kindness, and openness helped participants feel welcome and supported, turning Filadelfia into a real learning space, not just a location.
🌍 Dissemination Events in Communities
After returning home, participants didn’t stop at social media, they took initiative in their own communities to disseminate what they learned. For example, the North Macedonian team organized a presentation at SOU “Kocho Racin” High School in Sveti Nikole on April. They presented the project to students, sharing the concept of eco-entrepreneurship, showcasing our booklet and videos, and sparking discussions on sustainability among local youth. Similar follow-up workshops and mini-events were reported in other countries, where participants met with peers or youth groups to spread the green entrepreneurship mindset.
📰 Media Coverage
“Green is the New Black” also caught the attention of regional media in Italy. Numerous local news outlets featured stories about our exchange, emphasizing the international collaboration and focus on sustainability. Articles in outlets like Gazzetta del Sud and Il Vibonese highlighted how 42 youngsters from Italy and across Europe “invaded” Filadelfia for an innovative project on eco-entrepreneurship, and they praised the initiative’s cultural and educational value for the town. This media coverage not only gave visibility to our efforts but also positively showcased youth engagement in environmental and social issues to the broader public.
🫶💚 Grazie Ragazz* 🖤🤩
42 participants. 6 countries. 1 shared responsibility. After this unforgettable week in Calabria, one thing is clear: Green is not just the new black - it’s the new way forward. 🌱✨
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