Rebirth: Climate Crisis and Migration – Exploring the Environmental Cost of War Through Non-Formal Education

Rebirth: Climate Crisis and Migration was an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project organized by KUFF Refugees and Minorities Solidarity Association in Madrid/Alcobendas, Spain, from 29 April to 5 May 2025. The project brought together youth workers from Estonia, Hungary, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Spain, Türkiye. Through a comprehensive programme of non-formal education, participants examined the relationship between climate change, armed conflict, environmental degradation, migration, and intercultural cooperation while developing practical methods that can be applied in youth work across Europe.

One of the project's main objectives was to strengthen participants' connection with nature and encourage creative expression through experiential learning. Classical music and movement-based activities invited youth workers to interpret natural landscapes, animal life, and environmental elements using body language and imagination. These creative exercises enhanced self-confidence, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and teamwork while demonstrating how artistic methods can be integrated into environmental education and non-formal learning to inspire active participation.

The project also provided an in-depth understanding of the environmental consequences of armed conflicts. Through interactive presentations, discussions, and visual materials, participants explored how wars contribute to deforestation, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, air pollution, and radioactive contamination. They examined the long-term effects of modern weapons on ecosystems and human health while exchanging examples from their own countries. These learning activities strengthened critical thinking, analytical skills, and participants' ability to explain complex environmental issues from both scientific and humanitarian perspectives.

Another important outcome of the mobility was the development of research, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Participants worked in international teams to imagine alternative futures without war, transforming their research into scripts, theatrical performances, and public awareness activities. This process encouraged innovation, teamwork, digital research, public speaking, and creative storytelling while demonstrating how youth work can raise awareness of peace, sustainability, and environmental responsibility through participatory educational methods.

The project also placed strong emphasis on reflection, evaluation, and intercultural dialogue. Interactive evaluation methods enabled youth workers to assess their own learning progress, share constructive feedback, and contribute ideas for improving future educational activities. Cultural exchange sessions further strengthened mutual understanding by introducing participants to traditional food, dances, languages, clothing, and customs from each partner country. By combining environmental education, peacebuilding, artistic creativity, intercultural learning, and active participation, Rebirth: Climate Crisis and Migration equipped youth workers with practical competences and innovative non-formal education tools that can be transferred into future Erasmus+ projects and local community initiatives.