The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange "Reconnecting to Nature by Reconnecting to Yourself" was a milestone moment for the Transylvanian Youth Center. After participating in exchanges organized by our partners abroad, this was the very first time we took on the role of lead organizer — hosting young people from across Europe in one of Romania's most breathtaking locations: Rimetea (Torockó), Transylvania.

The project ran from September 19 to 27, 2023, and brought together young people from six different countries for a week of learning, reflection, and hands-on experience centered on sustainability, environmental awareness, and mindfulness.

Partners

We collaborated with five trusted partner organizations: Platypus (Croatia), Puentes Hungary (Hungary), Youth Senate Tallinn (Estonia), YOUTH BCN (Spain), and Yaygın Eğitim ve Gençlik Çalışmaları Derneği (Turkey).

The Setting: Rimetea, Transylvania 🏔️

Rimetea (Torockó) is a UNESCO-listed village nestled at the foot of the Székelykő rock, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes — the perfect backdrop for a project about reconnecting with nature.

What We Learned and Practiced

Participants engaged in workshops on sustainability, environmental issues, climate change, eco-activism, reusing/reducing/recycling, plant care, permaculture, composting, debating skills, intercultural exchange, and daily mindfulness practices and yoga.

Workshop Highlights

Green Room Plant Studio 🪴 — Participants learned practical plant care tips: adjusting soil mixes, using neem oil, proper watering techniques, and each went home with their own plant.

Circulo Waste Management ♻️ — Workshops on waste collection systems, showing how plastic waste can be transformed into something special.

Composting Awareness 🌎 — Participants created awareness-raising materials about composting to share with their communities.

Legacy

The RNRY project proved that the Transylvanian Youth Center could be a leader, not just a participant. The success of this first self-organized exchange laid the foundation for all subsequent projects, including SkillBoosters DiscoveringEU and Muddy Hands. The friendships forged in Rimetea lasted long beyond the project. 🌞🌿

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. 🇪🇺